Night Wrap Solution for Reducing Inflammation and Enhancing Recovery

Soft-tissue irritation such as bursal flare-ups, tendon-sheath swelling and joint irritation can make daily activity and training uncomfortable. The Night Wrap is a simple, practical strategy that can help calm superficial irritation while you sleep.

This method combines a topical anti-inflammatory with a circulation-support cream and keeps them in contact with the skin for several hours overnight.

What You Need

• Diclofenac gel (Voltaren Emulgel)

• Hirudoid cream (MPS)

• Glad wrap OR light cohesive bandage

• Optional: small square of gauze (useful at bony areas like the achilles insertion)

  
  

How to Do the Night Wrap

1. Massage in a first layer

Massage a small amount of both Diclofenac gel and Hirudoid cream into the irritated area for 2–3 minutes until fully absorbed.

2. Apply a thicker second layer

Add a more generous amount of both creams over the same area. Lightly blend them together on the skin, but do not rub them in. Leave a visible layer on the surface.

3. Wrap the area

Use Glad wrap or a light bandage to hold the creams in place overnight. The wrap should be snug but not tight.

If wrapping over a bony prominence, place a small piece of gauze over the cream before wrapping.

4. Sleep

Leave the wrap on overnight (usually 6–8 hours).

How the Night Wrap Helps

✔ Sustained local anti-inflammatory effect

Diclofenac reduces superficial soft-tissue irritation when used short-term. Keeping it occluded overnight maintains contact and reduces evaporation. (See Reference 1)

✔ Supports circulation and fluid movement

Hirudoid cream can help reduce puffiness, mild swelling, bruising and peritendinous crepitus by improving microcirculation. (Reference 2)

✔ Helpful for reactive or superficial flare-ups

This method is most effective when there is:

• swelling

• crepitus

• tendon irritation

• superficial bursitis

• post-sprain

  
  

When the Night Wrap Helps Most

• Achilles, peroneal, tibialis posterior tendon sheath irritation

• FHL tenosynovitis

• Mild ankle sprains

• ITB-related outer knee irritation

• Mild bursitis

• Reactive tendon flare-ups with visible irritation

When It Is NOT Likely to Help

• Long-standing degenerative tendinopathy

• Deep joint pathology

• Bone stress injuries

• Neurological symptoms (numbness, tingling, giving way)

• Red, hot or feverish joints

• Worsening swelling

These situations require professional assessment.

Safety & Important Considerations

• Patch test first: apply for 1 hour during the day

• Avoid if you’re allergic to NSAIDs or taking anticoagulants (unless advised)

• Do not apply to broken skin

• Stop immediately if redness or burning develops

• Follow product instructions

• Consult a GP, pharmacist or physiotherapist if unsure

  
  

Where Night Wraps Fit In

Night wraps offer short-term symptom relief, but do not replace:

• progressive strengthening

• load management

• running or technique adjustments

• proper rehabilitation planning

Use night wraps to settle symptoms, then use rehab to fix the cause.

Australian Medical Disclaimer

This information is general and does not replace personalised medical advice. Use Voltaren Gel and Hirudoid cream according to TGA-approved guidelines. If pain persists, worsens, or is associated with swelling, redness, heat, fever or neurological symptoms, seek professional medical assessment.

References

1. Derry S et al. Topical NSAIDs for acute musculoskeletal pain. Cochrane Review, 2015.

2. Rasaratnam I et al. Mucopolysaccharide polysulfate in soft-tissue injuries. Clinical review data.

3. Cook JL, Purdam CR. Tendon pathology continuum model. Br J Sports Med, 2016.

4. Rio E et al. Isometric exercise and analgesia in tendinopathy. Br J Sports Med, 2014.