This invention relates primarily to a therapeutic method comprising the use of a flexible outer cover that allows quick and easy alternating insertions of separate heat and cold packs, and is attached using an adhesive layer or safety pins to a garment at a location on the garment that is in close contact with an injured area of the body when the garment is worm, to provide alternating cold and hot or hot and cold therapeutic treatments and to a contrasting thermal device comprising a flexible outer cover for use in this method, and an article of manufacture comprising said flexible outer cover and other optional elements to form said contrasting thermal device.