HEAT or ICE?

A go-to remedy people use for pain relief, next to medication, is usually ice and heat. So the question you should be asking is, “which one should I use?”. Both treatments have their advantages and disadvantages along with negative effects if not used for the right conditions.

HEAT (15-20 mins every 20-40 mins)

Should Be Used For:

  • Increase Blood Circulation

  • Tight Muscles

  • Sore Muscles

Should Not Be Used For:

  • Open Wound

  • Swelling

  • Acute Injury

Methods of Heat:

  • Hot Pack

  • Hot Tub

  • Sauna/Steam Room

  • Pain Free Dynamic Stretches 

  • Warm Shower

ICE (15-20 mins every 2 hrs)

Should Be Used For:

  • Swelling

  • Decrease Blood Flow

  • Decrease Inflammation

Should Not Be Used For:

  • Chronic Pain

  • Tight Muscles

Methods of Cold:

  • Cold Pack

  • Cold Plunge