The Night Wrap Method
What Is the Night Wrap?
Despite the name, it’s not a skincare routine or the name of a trendy Melbourne bar. The Night Wrap is a topical, overnight anti-inflammatory treatment used to relieve pain, swelling, bruising, and crepitus (a creaking sensation in tissues, often around tendons or joints). It involves applying a combination of two over-the-counter creams—diclofenac gel and Hirudoid cream—to the affected area and wrapping it in cling film (glad wrap) before bed.
This method has been used for decades and remains popular among sports clinicians and podiatrists for treating specific types of acute soft tissue injuries.
How Does It Work?
The Night Wrap delivers a high localised dose of anti-inflammatory and anti-coagulant medication directly to the skin for several hours—while you sleep.
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Diclofenac gel is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that helps reduce pain and swelling.
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Hirudoid cream helps disperse bruising and reduce fibrin formation, which can contribute to swelling and crepitus.
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Cling film prevents the creams from rubbing off, reduces evaporation, and helps keep the active ingredients in contact with the skin.
⚠️ This treatment is most effective for superficial injuries close to the surface. It is not recommended for deep-seated or chronic degenerative conditions.
Who Might Benefit from the Night Wrap?
The Night Wrap can be especially helpful in the early or acute stages of the following conditions:
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Achilles tendinopathy (particularly with swelling or crepitus in the sheath)
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Tibialis posterior or peroneal tendonitis
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Flexor hallucis longus tenosynovitis
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Ankle sprains with bruising or swelling
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ITB syndrome (outer knee pain)
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Bursal inflammation near the surface
When Not to Use It
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Chronic, non-inflammatory tendon pain (e.g. long-standing tendinopathy without swelling)
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Deep joint or muscle injuries
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Known allergy to either diclofenac or Hirudoid
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Broken or irritated skin at the site of application
How to Apply the Night Wrap – Step-by-Step
You’ll Need:
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Diclofenac gel (e.g. Voltaren®)
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Hirudoid cream
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Cling film (glad wrap)
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(Optional) Gauze for bony or hard-to-wrap areas (e.g. heel)
Steps:
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Massage In First Layer
Before bed, gently massage a small amount of both creams (equal parts) into the injured area for 2–3 minutes, until absorbed. -
Apply a Thick Layer
Next, apply a larger amount of both creams, lightly mixing them on the skin. Leave this second layer thick and visible—don’t rub it in. -
Wrap with Cling Film
Cover the area snugly but not tightly with cling film to keep the cream in place overnight.-
For bony areas (like the Achilles), place a thin gauze pad over the cream before wrapping to help prevent slipping.
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Sleep
Leave the wrap on overnight (approx. 6–8 hours). -
Remove & Wash
In the morning, remove the wrap and wash the area thoroughly.
Frequency:
Apply for 3–4 consecutive nights, or as recommended by your clinician.
Safety and Considerations
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✅ Topical Advantage: Reduced risk of gastrointestinal or liver side effects compared to oral NSAIDs.
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🔍 Patch Test: Before full overnight use, test the creams on your skin for 1 hour during the day.
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🚫 Avoid “heat” creams: Do not use products like Deep Heat or Tiger Balm under the wrap—this can cause irritation or burns.
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🩺 Consult Your Health Professional if:
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You’re unsure if this treatment is suitable for your injury
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You’ve had past reactions to either cream
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You have sensitive skin or known allergies
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In Summary
The Night Wrap is a convenient and effective home remedy for acute inflammation involving tendons, bursae, and joints close to the skin. It’s simple, affordable, and works while you sleep—ideal for runners, active individuals, and anyone seeking to reduce swelling and discomfort without taking oral medication.
Always consult your podiatrist, physiotherapist or pharmacist before starting new treatments.
Prepared by:
Achieve Podiatry – Helping you stay active, mobile and pain-free.
For more advice, book an appointment with Cameron Liles at Port Macquarie Sports Medicine Centre.
📍 21 Gore Street, Port Macquarie | 📞 02 6584 5005