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.
Next time I read a blog, I hope that it does not disappoint me just as much as this particular one. I mean, Yes, it was my choice to read through, however I truly believed you would have something interesting to say. All I hear is a bunch of moaning about something you could fix if you were not too busy searching for attention.
Your style is unique compared to other people I’ve read stuff from. Thank you for posting when you’ve got the opportunity, Guess I will just bookmark this blog.
Thank you for the auspicious writeup.
I need to to thank you for this fantastic read!! I absolutely loved every bit of it. I’ve got you saved as a favorite to check out new stuff you post…
Hi, I do believe this is a great site. I stumbledupon it 😉 I will come back once again since i have book marked it. Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich and continue to guide other people.
This is a topic which is near to my heart… Many thanks! Exactly where are your contact details though?
Can I just say what a relief to uncover somebody that genuinely knows what they are talking about on the internet. You actually realize how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More people should check this out and understand this side of the story. I can’t believe you are not more popular since you most certainly possess the gift.
I’ve been exploring for a little kiollsos for any high-quality articles or weblog posts on this sort of space . Exploring in Yahoo I eventually stumbled upon this web site. Reading this info So i am happy to exhibit that I’ve a very just right uncanny feeling I found out just what I needed. I such a lot certainly will make sure to do not forget this website and provides it a glance on a continuing basis.
Saved as a favorite, I really like your site!
You ought to be a part of a contest for one of the finest sites on the internet. I most certainly will recommend this site!
I want to to thank you for this excellent read!! I certainly loved every bit of it. I have got you saved as a favorite to look at new things you post…
Everything is very open with a clear description of the challenges. It was really informative. Your site is extremely helpful. Thank you for sharing!
After looking at a few of the blog articles on your website, I honestly appreciate your technique of blogging. I added it to my bookmark site list and will be checking back soon. Please check out my web site as well and tell me what you think.
It’s hard to come by educated people about this topic, but you seem like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
I am really pleased to read this website posts which contains lots of useful data, thanks for providing such statistics.|
Great web site you have got here.. It’s hard to find high quality writing like yours these days. I honestly appreciate people like you! Take care!!
Your style is so unique compared to other people I’ve read stuff from. I appreciate you for posting when you’ve got the opportunity, Guess I will just book mark this page.
Saved as a favorite, I like your blog!