When to use ice versus heat?

Welcome to the topic, “When to use ice versus heat?”

Ice versus Heat, are both considered cheap, easy-to-use treatment methods for pain and injuries. But in the days or even moments after an injury, people often fail to recall which choice provides the most advantage.

There is really no wrong or right answer, but ice is typically used for recent or acute injuries, while heat is used for chronic and muscular pain.

Ice is a good choice for the first 3 days after an injury because it assists in reducing swelling, which causes pain. On the other hand, heat helps soothe inflexible joints and relax muscles. However, neither choice should be used for more than ten to fifteen minutes at a time.

When to use ice?

Ice helps reduce swelling. By rubbing an ice pack, bag of frozen taters, or cold cloth at the beginning of an injury, swelling can be decreased, which lessens pain. It is okay to have direct contact with ice only if it is for a short span. Otherwise, applying a cover between the ice and the skin is greatly recommended.

When to use heat?

Heat actually has the reverse effect of ice. It causes blood vessels to open which can rouse inflammation rather than relieve it.”

Heat management should be used for chronic illnesses to help loosen tissues, and relax and enhance blood flow to the area. Heat is a highly recommended treatment option for chronic conditions resulting from arthritis or even old injuries. Heat can be useful before participating in actions to help limber up. Against using heat therapy after activity or after a severe injury because heat treatment can cause the swelling to aggravate.

Heating packs are the most used heat source, but even a hot, wet towel can be useful for relief.

Ice and heat in moderation

Patients face burns due to excessive use of either cold or heat. It is important to take out the ice or heating pad for 15 to 20 minutes after each treatment phase.

Some people do not endure ice or heat well. It often comes down to an individual preference of what brings a decrease in symptoms. It’s also significant to remember that ice and heat are not a treatment for any injury, but are a source of relief.

Here are some of the conditions for which ice vs heat is used frequently:

Arthritis 

The inflammation of joints caused by arthritis can result in stiffness and pain in places like elbows, fingers, shoulders, and knees. For these cases, using moist heat, like a bath in a tub or shower benefits.

Muscle Strains and Sprains 

Muscle sprains and strains usually benefit from a mix of both heat and ice when they occur. Whether there is a pulled muscle in the back doing yardwork or sprained ankle while playing basketball, it’s best, to begin with, ice to relieve inflammation (including tenderness, redness, or swelling of the injury). Only after the inflammation decides is it a good idea to shift to heat; this can assist relieve any muscle rigidity at the injury site.

Tendonitis

Tendonitis, a painful inflammatory condition caused by repetitive actions, affects the tendons, the connective tissues between a muscle and bone. To reduce the pain, rest, over-the-counter pain reducers, and ice treatment are recommended. Ice is preferred to relieve the inflammation and help lessen the pain.

Get Help

PMF is dedicated to keeping you pain-free and active – getting you back to what is essential in life. If you are having an old or current injury and it is not reacting to home treatments, get help from us today.