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Have you ever injured yourself or had an ache or pain and asked yourself the following question. “Should I apply heat or ice?” Today we’ll explain when you should use heat and when ice is the better pick. We will also share what to do if neither is helping.  First off, a general rule is to use ice for recent, acute injuries less than 6 weeks old. Heat is best for long-term injuries that have been persisting for over 6 weeks. This is because ice constricts blood vessels, numbing pain and reducing inflammation, which is what you need for a new injury. Heat, on the other hand, increases blood flow to relax tight muscles and aching joints. Heat can increase inflammation in specific injuries, so give us a call if you are unsure which to use for your particular injury. Heat is often best for:
Ice is best for:
Applying Heat and Ice A bag of frozen vegetables can make a great ice pack that moulds to the injured area. You can use a warm bath, heat wrap, or heating pad for heat therapy. Apply heat or ice for 20 minutes at a time, taking a break of at least 20 minutes in between sessions. Remove the heat or ice if it becomes uncomfortable, and do not apply ice directly to the skin; wrap it in a lightweight cloth or towel. When the Pain Isn’t Improving If at-home heat or ice therapy isn’t improving your condition, give us a call. We’ll get you in for a visit to see if we can help. If you have any more questions then please free to email us at bookings@balineckandbackcentre.com or call us on 0811-3915-339 Yours in Health and Wellness The Team at Spinalogic www.balineckandbackcentre.com
LEGAL DISCLAIMER - This article (including links to any/all website pages, blog posts, blog comments, forum, videos, audio recordings, etc.) is not intended to replace the services of a physician, nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Information is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use the information for diagnosing or treating a medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have an urgent medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. Any application of the recommendations in this post is at the reader's discretion. BNBC and Spinalogic Wellness are not liable for any direct or indirect claim, loss or damage resulting from use of this email. Readers should consult their own physicians concerning the recommendations in this article.
1 Comment
2/2/2023 08:46:11 pm
It depends on the type of pain and the cause of it. Generally speaking, heat therapy is recommended for muscle pain and stiffness, while ice therapy is better for reducing swelling and inflammation from recent injuries. However, it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of action for your specific pain. Leave a Reply. |
