When to Use Ice or Heat

Ever since I was a little kid I loved being active and playing sports. However, with playing sports comes along being injured.  Now with most injures everyone’s first question is do I use ice or do I use heat. Most people automatically gravitate towards heat because it relaxes and sooths tight muscles. Ice treatments just seem cold and painful. Well after listening to all my patients here at Apex Medical Group, one of the greatest chiropractic offices in south Chandler.

I realized that most of the patients didn’t understand the reasoning why choosing one over the other is very important in getting on the road to recovery.  A great rule of thumb is to use ice for the first 24-48 hours after an injury. This will help reduce the swelling and inflammation which is causing most of the pain. After 48 hours then you can introduce heat. You can use heat in two ways either by itself or use an ice and heat contrast. The heat by itself will help relax muscle spasms and tension in the muscle.  It will bring added blood to the area and help with the healing process.  An ice and heat contrast can have a vacuum effect on the area. If there is still swelling or inflammation within the area the ice will have its affect. Follow it up with heat which will cause a flush of blood which usually helps to carry the inflammation away.  For more information check out your local chiropractor Chandler AZ for more information.

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