Should I use HEAT or ICE??
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Every day in practice we ask new patients in pain… “Have you used heat or ice at home?” 90% of the time the response is “heat”. Is this response correct?
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Why and when would you use ice vs heat? The short answer is..
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Acute Pain or Inflammation (injury recently occurred 24-48 hrs): ICE – in the office we use ice for 15-20 min max
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Chronic Pain or Inflammation (injury has been present for some period of time): HEAT – in the office we use heat for 10-15 min max
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Use of heat vs ice depends on the situation and at what point after the injury the question is being asked. In the first 24-48 hrs after injury occurs, ice is typically the best for reducing inflammation, minimizing swelling, decreasing pain and aiding in recovery. Heat feels good temporarily but has little healing effect in early stages of inflammation. However, for our athletes and general population, heat may be a great tool in improving range of motion and priming muscles for activity.
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Why is heat used more frequently than ice? Generally speaking, heat feels better than ice. This isn’t the case for everyone but more often than not, heat is the go to. Next time you’re wondering which one to use, refer to your chiropractor 😉 #drpennell #performancechiropractic
“Should I use HEAT or ICE?”
