Night Wraps Explained: What They Are, How They Work, and When to Use Them

So, What Is a Night Wrap?

Despite the name, a night wrap isn’t a beauty treatment. It’s an overnight topical anti-inflammatory technique used to help settle acute inflammation in tissues such as tendons, joints, ligaments, and bursae.

A night wrap is designed to work while you sleep, delivering a sustained local anti-inflammatory effect to irritated tissues by prolonging contact time between the skin and medication.

This technique is commonly used in sports and musculoskeletal physiotherapy to help manage acute injuries with clear inflammatory features.

When Can a Night Wrap Be Helpful?

Night wraps tend to work best when there are clear signs of inflammation, such as:

• Visible swelling

• Bruising (ecchymosis)

• Tenderness

• Tendon crepitus (a creaky or crackling sensation with movement)

They are most effective for acute injuries, particularly those involving the tendon sheath (peritendon). They are less effective for chronic or degenerative tendon pain, where inflammation is no longer the primary driver of symptoms.

What You’ll Need

• Diclofenac gel (e.g. Voltaren)

• Hirudoid cream

• Cling film / glad wrap

• (Optional) A small piece of gauze for bony areas

How to Apply a Night Wrap

1. Before bed, massage a small amount of equal parts Hirudoid and Diclofenac gel into the sore area for 2–3 minutes until absorbed.

2. Apply a second, thicker layer of both products on top of the skin and lightly mix — this layer should remain visible.

3. Cover the area with cling film to hold the medication in place.

4. Go to bed and allow the wrap to work overnight.

Tip: If the injury is near a bony prominence (such as the Achilles insertion at the heel), place a thin piece of gauze over the cream before wrapping. This helps prevent the medication from sliding off during the night.

How Does the Night Wrap Work?

The night wrap is thought to work by:

• Providing a higher and more sustained local dose of topical anti-inflammatory medication than standard application

• Allowing prolonged contact time (often 6-8 hours) while you sleep

• Reducing evaporation of the medication from the skin using cling film

• Supporting bruising and tendon sheath irritation through the action of Hirudoid, which helps limit fibrin formation associated with crepitus

Because the treatment is topical, it avoids many of the gastrointestinal and systemic side effects associated with oral anti-inflammatory medications.

Limitations to Be Aware Of

• Works best for superficial injuries

• Less effective for deep joint or chronic degenerative conditions

• Should be used as part of a broader physiotherapy management plan, not as a standalone treatment

Injuries We Commonly Recommend Night Wraps For

• Tenosynovitis

• Ankle sprains

Important Safety Notes

• Do not use heat creams (e.g. Deep Heat or Tiger Balm) as part of a night wrap - this can cause significant skin irritation.

• Avoid use if you have had a previous reaction to Diclofenac or Hirudoid.

• Discontinue use and seek medical advice if any skin irritation or adverse reaction occurs.

If you’re unsure whether a night wrap is appropriate for your injury, speak with your physiotherapist or pharmacist for individualised advice.