Matthew-boes-snc
Appt : (919) 863-6845
Make an Online Appointment
  • shoulder-arthrocscopy
  • rotar-cuff-tear
  • knee-arthroscopy
  • Acl-reconstruction
  • trusted-sports

Battle of the Medicine Cabinet Treatments: Ice Vs. Heat

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.

3,235 comments on “Battle of the Medicine Cabinet Treatments: Ice Vs. Heat

  1. I am always browsing online for ideas that can help me. Thank you!

  2. ppob arindo says:

    Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is a very well written article. I will be sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful info. Thanks for the post. I’ll definitely comeback.

  3. I really appreciate this post. I have been looking all over for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You’ve made my day! Thank you again

  4. Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is a very well written article. I will be sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post. I’ll definitely return.

  5. I’m still learning from you, while I’m making my way to the top as well. I absolutely liked reading everything that is written on your site.Keep the posts coming. I liked it!

  6. I just couldn’t leave your web site prior to suggesting that I really enjoyed the standard info an individual supply to your guests? Is going to be again continuously in order to inspect new posts

  7. Wonderful work! That is the type of information that are meant to be shared across the web. Shame on the search engines for not positioning this publish higher! Come on over and visit my site . Thank you =)

  8. hello there and thank you for your information – I’ve definitely picked up something new from right here. I did however expertise several technical issues using this site, since I experienced to reload the web site many times previous to I could get it to load properly. I had been wondering if your hosting is OK? Not that I am complaining, but slow loading instances times will often affect your placement in google and could damage your high quality score if ads and marketing with Adwords. Well I am adding this RSS to my e-mail and could look out for much more of your respective exciting content. Make sure you update this again very soon..

  9. Child Porn says:

    I blog often and I genuinely thank you for your content. This great article has really peaked my interest. I’m going to book mark your site and keep checking for new details about once per week. I subscribed to your RSS feed too.

  10. witryna www says:

    I have been ginetisu examinating out many of your articles and i must say pretty clever stuff. I will make sure to bookmark your website.

  11. Fantastic beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your website, how could i subscribe for a blog website? The account aided me a acceptable deal. I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright clear idea

  12. Hotels says:

    Thank you for any other informative blog. The place else may I get that type of information written in such an ideal means? I have a undertaking that I’m simply now running on, and I’ve been on the glance out for such info.

  13. terry sacka says:

    Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you penning this write-up and also the rest of the website is extremely good.

  14. My spouse and i felt now happy that Raymond could conclude his preliminary research through the entire ideas he received out of the blog. It is now and again perplexing just to choose to be handing out tips which usually people today could have been trying to sell. And we all fully understand we have you to thank for this. All the illustrations you have made, the straightforward blog navigation, the friendships you will give support to foster – it is everything impressive, and it is aiding our son and us reason why this topic is enjoyable, and that is wonderfully important. Thank you for everything!

  15. I simply want to mention I am new to blogs and absolutely savored your web page. Most likely I’m planning to bookmark your website . You surely have excellent articles and reviews. Many thanks for sharing with us your website page.

  16. Very well written story. It will be supportive to anyone who utilizes it, including yours truly :). Keep up the good work – i will definitely read more posts.

  17. Home says:

    I’m still learning from you, while I’m trying to achieve my goals. I absolutely enjoy reading all that is written on your website.Keep the information coming. I loved it!

  18. Auto Dealers says:

    This is really interesting, You are a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your great post. Also, I’ve shared your web site in my social networks!

  19. I intended to compose you this little observation to help say thanks a lot once again for these splendid tricks you’ve shared above. It is simply generous with people like you to give publicly what exactly many people would’ve sold as an ebook in making some money for themselves, chiefly considering the fact that you could have tried it in case you considered necessary. These pointers as well worked to provide a good way to realize that most people have the identical dreams like my personal own to learn more concerning this issue. I am sure there are several more fun opportunities in the future for those who go through your blog post.

  20. malware says:

    Great article. I’m dealing with many of these issues as well..

X

Tell a Friend

captcha