Ice or Heat, what should you use for injuries?

When you strain a muscle, have a headache, or twist your back, your life might be difficult. Which is preferable in the event of an injury: ice or heat? When it comes to injuries, there is considerable debate about whether to use ice or heat. Learn how to use cold and heat treatment to treat ailments.

Ice Treatment
The most common application of ice is for acute injuries. You should use ice treatment if you have a recent injury (within the last 48 hours) that is causing swelling. Ice packs can help reduce muscle spasms and pain by reducing swelling around the injury reducing bleeding into the tissues and reducing muscle spasms. 

After an injury, such as an ankle sprain, ice packs are frequently used. Early and frequent application of an ice pack during the first 48 hours will help to reduce swelling. This will assist with pain management.
Chronic illnesses, such as overuse injuries in athletes, may also benefit from ice treatments. In this scenario, apply ice to the affected area after physical exercise to reduce inflammation. Before engaging in physical exercise, avoid icing a chronic injury. Ice packs are made by placing ice cubes in a plastic bag and wrapping them in a towel; a pack of frozen peas is also suitable and can be kept in and out of the freezer. To minimize ice burns, keep the pack moving while applying ice directly to an injury. If the damage is bright pink or scarlet, remove the bag.

Heat Treatment
Heat treatments should be utilized to help relax tight muscles and ease hurting joints in chronic illnesses. This is especially useful for increasing the range of motion of a joint that isn't moving as well as it should. Using moist heat, such as a soak in the tub or a shower, can help with arthritis-related joint discomfort.
Heat treatments should not be used after physical activity or after an acute injury. "Warm-up, cool down," as the saying goes. – Before and after an activity, apply warm heat and ice. When there is swelling, don't use heat—swelling is caused by bleeding in the tissue, and heat merely brings more blood to the area.  

A heating pad, or even a heated, damp towel, can be used to warm tissues. To avoid burns, use moderate heat for a short period while applying heat treatments. Never sleep with heating pads or towels on for long periods. Heat therapy can be used for a longer period than ice therapy; however, it is usually effective in 15 to 20 minutes.

How to Treat Injuries: Ice vs. Heat

Arthritis
Arthritis can cause pain and stiffness in locations including your elbows, knees, shoulders, and fingers due to joint inflammation or discomfort. In these cases, moist heat, such as a bath or a shower is beneficial.
Acute Injuries
It's advisable to use ice as the main treatment for acute injuries (less than six weeks old). Cold therapy constricts blood vessels, numbing pain, reducing inflammation, and reducing bruising.
Heat should not be used on acute injuries since it can promote inflammation and cause the injury to take longer to heal. Heat is, however, acceptable for persistent injuries (older than six weeks). The blood flow increases, which relaxes tense muscles and relieves hurting joints. It also helps to enhance range of motion and is excellent for stiff joints.

Headaches
From time to time, everyone gets a headache. While some can be addressed with over-the-counter pain medicines, others will necessitate additional actions. A cool compress, for example, can assist lessen the throbbing pain of headaches, while heat wraps or moist heat can help relieve the headaches' underlying cause, such as neck spasms and tension.
 

Muscle Strains and Sprains
Muscle strains and sprains frequently benefit from a combination of cold and heat therapy. To relieve inflammation (such as swelling, redness, or discomfort) and dull the pain, apply ice as quickly as feasible. Once the inflammation has subsided, it's a good idea to use heat to help reduce muscle stiffness.

Tendonitis
Tendonitis affects the tendons, the connective tissues that link your muscles and bones. It is a painful inflammation produced by repetitive activity. Rest, over-the-counter pain medications and ice are all recommended for pain relief. Ice is recommended for reducing inflammation and numbing pain.

How to Use Cold and Heat Therapy Safely

Cold and heat therapy can be used in a variety of ways. However, it is generally advised to use it for up to 20 minutes on and off. Here are several common cold and heat treatments, along with instructions on how to apply them: 

Use Ice packs for at least 48 hours after pain, or inflammation has subsided.

• Massage the painful region with an ice cube until it becomes numb. This is great for regions where ice packs are too awkward to use, such as the elbow or heel.
• Take a warm bath, shower, hot tub, or whirlpool to get some moist heat (92-100 degrees).
• Heating pads: Do not use them on their highest setting, and remove them if they get too hot.

 

Visit Your Local Chiropractor
Knowing at-home cures might provide short comfort, but following an accident, it's better to contact a chiropractor. We are professionals at Sheets Chiropractic in treating the underlying causes of acute and chronic pain.