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.
Hi, I do think this is an excellent web site. I stumbledupon it 😉 I’m going to revisit yet again since I book marked it. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and continue to help other people.
You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to be actually something which I think I would never understand. It seems too complicated and extremely broad for me. I’m looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang of it!
Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your website and in accession capital to assert that I get actually enjoyed account your blog posts. Any way I will be subscribing to your feeds and even I achievement you access consistently rapidly.
Hi there! I just would like to offer you a huge thumbs up for the great info you have got right here on this post. I will be returning to your blog for more soon.
An impressive share! I have just forwarded this onto a coworker who has been conducting a little research on this. And he actually bought me lunch due to the fact that I discovered it for him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending time to discuss this matter here on your web site.
Great site. Lots of helpful info here. I¡¦m sending it to some pals ans additionally sharing in delicious. And naturally, thanks in your sweat!
Thanks so much for giving everyone a very marvellous possiblity to read from here. It really is very superb and also jam-packed with fun for me and my office mates to visit your website nearly thrice in one week to study the newest things you will have. And of course, I’m so usually motivated with the powerful secrets you give. Some 2 areas in this article are definitely the most beneficial we have all had.
I’m impressed, I have to admit. Seldom do I encounter a blog that’s both equally educative and entertaining, and let me tell you, you have hit the nail on the head. The issue is something not enough folks are speaking intelligently about. I am very happy that I stumbled across this in my hunt for something relating to this.
You ought to take part in a contest for one of the best websites on the net. I am going to highly recommend this website!
I really like your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you create this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you? Plz answer back as I’m looking to create my own blog and would like to know where u got this from. thank you|
I truly appreciate this post. I have been looking all over for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You have made my day! Thx again
I was recommended this web site by my cousin. I’m not sure whether this post is written by him as no one else know such detailed about my trouble. You are incredible! Thanks!
Excellent blog here! Also your website loads up very fast! What web host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host? I wish my web site loaded up as quickly as yours lol
I think other website proprietors should take this web site as an model, very clean and fantastic user friendly style and design, as well as the content. You’re an expert in this topic!
I was very pleased to find this page. I want to to thank you for ones time for this wonderful read!! I definitely enjoyed every little bit of it and i also have you saved as a favorite to look at new stuff in your website.
May possibly more maybe you have possible blackouts . post. However, I still did enjoy genital herpes virus treatments have put here.
Good blog you have got here.. It’s hard to find high quality writing like yours nowadays. I seriously appreciate people like you! Take care!!