How do you determine whether you use heat or ice?
Here are the main applications for ICE:
Most people don’t enjoy how cold feels on their skin especially in the winter season; however think as if your house is flooding; would you turn on the water at full blast & flood it more? By using heat that is what you are simulating, it allows an increase of blood flow to the area you are heating. If you have any swelling it is best not to use heat! When we have an acute injury our body's natural response is to increase the blood flow to that area, helping to get rid of cellular waste and start the first phases of repair. Too much inflammation causes tissue to become congested & it can also restrict oxygenated blood from reaching the muscles. To help stop the flow of blood to that area, we use ice. It is a misconception to ice only known injuries within the first 48hrs, there are other factors that should be taken into account, such as the severity/location of the injury.
Your may also want to read HOW TO ICE
Here are the main applications for ICE:
- Decrease inflammation (heat)
- Decrease pain
- Decrease swelling
- Decrease muscles spasm/cramps (especially menstrual cramps)
- Post stretching/ exercise
Most people don’t enjoy how cold feels on their skin especially in the winter season; however think as if your house is flooding; would you turn on the water at full blast & flood it more? By using heat that is what you are simulating, it allows an increase of blood flow to the area you are heating. If you have any swelling it is best not to use heat! When we have an acute injury our body's natural response is to increase the blood flow to that area, helping to get rid of cellular waste and start the first phases of repair. Too much inflammation causes tissue to become congested & it can also restrict oxygenated blood from reaching the muscles. To help stop the flow of blood to that area, we use ice. It is a misconception to ice only known injuries within the first 48hrs, there are other factors that should be taken into account, such as the severity/location of the injury.
Your may also want to read HOW TO ICE