Battle of the Medicine Cabinet Treatments: Ice Vs. Heat
September 19, 2013
A common question I get in my practice is whether it is better to use ice or heat when treating an injury. The simple answer is that both ice and heat can be beneficial in treating an injury at different times. But determining which one to use can prove quite confusing. Following are my top-line guidelines:
- Ice is generally used after an initial injury to help prevent inflammation, swelling and pain. It can also be used to treat a “flare up” of an older injury following physical activity. Ice cools the injured muscle and tissue by limiting blood flow and provides a direct numbing effect to sensitive nerves.
- Heat – in the form of a heating pad, warm towel, or hot shower or bath – is best used to treat older injuries that have begun to heal. Since heat improves blood flow to an area, it is used to “soften up” sore, stiff muscles or joints and “warm up” the injured area prior to exercise or activity.
As a general rule-of-thumb, consider applying heat before exercise to encourage blood flow, thereby allowing the injured area to move more freely. Following exercise, use ice to treat any swelling or irritation the activity may have caused.
Hello there, You have done a fantastic job. I’ll definitely digg it and personally suggest to my friends. I’m confident they’ll be benefited from this web site.
You completed some nice points there. I did a search on the matter and found a good number of persons will agree with your blog.
Hello. remarkable job. I did not anticipate this. This is a great story. Thanks!
There is clearly a bundle to identify about this. I believe you made various nice points in features also.
As a Newbie, I am continuously searching online for articles that can help me. Thank you
Simply want to say your article is as surprising. The clarity in your post is simply spectacular and i could assume you’re an expert on this subject. Fine with your permission let me to grab your RSS feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please carry on the gratifying work.
Love this place. I’ve been here at least 1/2 a dozen times with friends from work. This time I brought my 7 year old son. He loves it.
I don’t even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was great. I do not know who you are but definitely you are going to a famous blogger if you aren’t already 😉 Cheers!
Simply desire to say your article is as astonishing. The clearness in your post is simply great and i can assume you are an expert on this subject. Fine with your permission let me to grab your feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please continue the enjoyable work.
Wonderful goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to and you are just extremely excellent. I actually like what you have acquired here, certainly like what you’re saying and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still care for to keep it smart. I can’t wait to read much more from you. This is really a great web site.
Wow! This could be one particular of the most beneficial blogs We’ve ever arrive across on this subject. Basically Fantastic. I am also a specialist in this topic so I can understand your effort.
Great tremendous issues here. I¡¦m very satisfied to peer your post. Thanks a lot and i am taking a look forward to contact you. Will you kindly drop me a mail?
Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your website and in accession capital to assert that I acquire in fact enjoyed account your blog posts. Anyway I’ll be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently quickly.
What i do not realize is in truth how you are not actually much more neatly-preferred than you may be right now. You’re very intelligent. You know therefore significantly with regards to this subject, made me for my part imagine it from a lot of various angles. Its like women and men are not fascinated unless it is something to do with Girl gaga! Your own stuffs nice. At all times take care of it up!
Thank you for some other fantastic article. The place else may just anyone get that type of information in such an ideal manner of writing? I have a presentation next week, and I’m on the look for such info.
I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here. The sketch is attractive, your authored subject matter stylish. nonetheless, you command get bought an impatience over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come further formerly again since exactly the same nearly very often inside case you shield this hike.
I am now not sure where you’re getting your information, but great topic. I must spend some time finding out more or understanding more. Thanks for great info I was on the lookout for this information for my mission.
What i don’t realize is in reality how you’re not really much more smartly-preferred than you may be now. You are very intelligent. You know therefore considerably when it comes to this topic, produced me personally imagine it from numerous varied angles. Its like women and men are not fascinated until it is one thing to accomplish with Girl gaga! Your individual stuffs excellent. Always care for it up!
I do accept as true with all the ideas you’ve offered for your post. They are very convincing and can certainly work. Still, the posts are very brief for novices. May just you please extend them a little from next time? Thank you for the post.
Just want to say your article is as amazing. The clarity in your post is simply cool and i can assume you are an expert on this subject. Fine with your permission let me to grab your feed to keep updated with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please continue the gratifying work.