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. spy gadgets says:

    What i don’t understood is in truth how you are not really a lot more neatly-favored than you might be now. You are so intelligent. You know thus considerably on the subject of this subject, produced me personally consider it from a lot of varied angles. Its like women and men are not interested unless it is one thing to do with Woman gaga! Your own stuffs outstanding. Always handle it up!

  2. I like what you guys are up too. Such intelligent work and reporting! Keep up the excellent works guys I¡¦ve incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it’ll improve the value of my site 🙂

  3. Flights  says:

    There is perceptibly a bundle to know about this. I assume you made some good points in features also.

  4. Very good information. Lucky me I found your site by chance (stumbleupon). I have saved as a favorite for later!

  5. Hi! I could have sworn I’ve visited this blog before but after looking at some of the posts I realized it’s new to me. Anyhow, I’m definitely delighted I stumbled upon it and I’ll be book-marking it and checking back frequently!|

  6. Healthcare says:

    Thank you so much for providing individuals with such a superb chance to read from this blog. It’s always very cool and also stuffed with fun for me and my office co-workers to search your site more than three times a week to see the newest items you will have. And definitely, I am certainly astounded with all the splendid techniques served by you. Selected 2 points on this page are in truth the most beneficial we’ve ever had.

  7. Thanks , I have recently been searching for information about this subject for ages and yours is the best I have discovered till now. However, what concerning the bottom line? Are you positive concerning the supply?|

  8. joseph says:

    I blog quite often and I truly thank you for your content. This great article has really peaked my interest. I am going to bookmark your blog and keep checking for new details about once a week. I opted in for your Feed as well.

  9. nigel mayne says:

    You’ve made some decent points there. I checked on the internet to learn more about the issue and found most people will go along with your views on this site.

  10. our website says:

    I feel this is among the most significant info for me. And i’m happy reading your article. However wanna commentary on few basic things, The website style is great, the articles is really nice : D. Excellent activity, cheers|

  11. joseph says:

    That is a good tip especially to those fresh to the blogosphere. Short but very precise info… Thank you for sharing this one. A must read post!

  12. I have to thank you for the efforts you’ve put in writing this blog. I am hoping to see the same high-grade blog posts by you later on as well. In truth, your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get my own blog now

  13. Thanks for sharing the information. I found the information very useful. That’s a awesome story you posted. I will come back to scan some more.

  14. link says:

    Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your site and in accession capital to assert that I acquire in fact enjoyed account your blog posts. Anyway I will be subscribing to your feeds and even I achievement you access consistently rapidly.|

  15. You made some decent points there. I did a search on the topic and found most people will approve with your site.

  16. monkey games says:

    I¡¦ve been exploring for a bit for any high-quality articles or blog posts in this sort of space . Exploring in Yahoo I finally stumbled upon this website. Studying this info So i¡¦m happy to express that I have an incredibly just right uncanny feeling I found out exactly what I needed. I so much indubitably will make sure to do not overlook this website and provides it a look regularly.

  17. I not to mention my pals appeared to be digesting the excellent secrets found on your site while quickly I had a terrible suspicion I had not thanked the site owner for those techniques. These boys were definitely as a result excited to read all of them and have in effect quite simply been enjoying these things. Thanks for being so considerate and then for settling on certain incredibly good subjects most people are really desirous to be informed on. My honest apologies for not expressing appreciation to sooner.

X

Tell a Friend

captcha