To Heat or Not to Heat
You are skating full blast down the ice dodging sticks and opposing hockey players when a 250-pound defensemen comes out of nowhere and slams you to the ice. You right knee bends in a way that you thought was anatomically impossible. The other scenario is that you make your move, split the defense and score the overtime goal. Your old knee still hurting from that accident 10 years ago, but you will take care of it after the game.
Many people visit our office for various sprains and strains and want to know if they should be using heat or ice on their injuries. This has been a long debated issue in the past concerning when, what, and how long heat or ice should be used. The following information details the current philosophy of using heat or ice.
The general rule for when one should use heat or ice depends on how long you have had the injury. When you first sprain, strain or contuse yourself, (that big defensemen does take you down), ice should be used. The reasoning behind this, is that ice decreases blood flow to the area and therefore indirectly decreases natural swelling after the injury. Ice should not be applied for more than 15-20 minutes at a time with 20 minutes between applications. Ice should always be wrapped with a towel and never be directly applied to the skin. Icing is most effective right after an injury and becomes less effective until about 4 days post injury.
Heat is the modality of choice for chronic conditions such as non-inflammatory arthritis, back pain, and muscle aches. Moist heat, such as a wet towel over a hot water bottle, is the best way to warm up those old war wounds of aging. Heat can be applied for 30 to 40 minutes at a time with 20 minutes between applications. Heat should never be used directly against the skin and remember; a heating pad can burn you.
Heat and ice can be very good treatment choices for a number of conditions. Remember the general saying: Put out the fire with ice and loosen up with heat. Always consult your health care professional if you have any questions about an injury or if you should apply heat or ice.
Many people visit our office for various sprains and strains and want to know if they should be using heat or ice on their injuries. This has been a long debated issue in the past concerning when, what, and how long heat or ice should be used. The following information details the current philosophy of using heat or ice.
The general rule for when one should use heat or ice depends on how long you have had the injury. When you first sprain, strain or contuse yourself, (that big defensemen does take you down), ice should be used. The reasoning behind this, is that ice decreases blood flow to the area and therefore indirectly decreases natural swelling after the injury. Ice should not be applied for more than 15-20 minutes at a time with 20 minutes between applications. Ice should always be wrapped with a towel and never be directly applied to the skin. Icing is most effective right after an injury and becomes less effective until about 4 days post injury.
Heat is the modality of choice for chronic conditions such as non-inflammatory arthritis, back pain, and muscle aches. Moist heat, such as a wet towel over a hot water bottle, is the best way to warm up those old war wounds of aging. Heat can be applied for 30 to 40 minutes at a time with 20 minutes between applications. Heat should never be used directly against the skin and remember; a heating pad can burn you.
Heat and ice can be very good treatment choices for a number of conditions. Remember the general saying: Put out the fire with ice and loosen up with heat. Always consult your health care professional if you have any questions about an injury or if you should apply heat or ice.