Ice or heat? You make the call!

Do I apply Heat or Ice?

As a chiropractor I see many different kinds of injuries and often hear the question, “Heat or ice?”

General guidelines should be as follows:

APPLY ICE TO ACUTE INJURIES.  An acute injury is a sudden unexpected injury or may be the result of an accident.  Usually there is redness, tenderness to the touch, pain, and possibly swelling.  Applying ice to acute injuries will restrict blood flow to the area to reduce the swelling and the pain.  Apply ice for NO LONGER than 20 minutes at a time.  Use of ice for extended periods of time can result in further tissue damage. You should apply ice to the area several times a day!

APPLY HEAT TO CHRONIC INJURIES.  A chronic injury is a longstanding injury.  Application of heat increases blood flood and relaxes tight muscles or muscle spasms.  Applying heat can be taking a hot shower, bath, hot tub, or a heating pad.  Apply heat to the injured area for 15-20 minutes.  DO NOT APPLY HEAT if there is swelling or redness.  Moist heat work works best.

If you have any questions feel free to call my office at 651-578-8588.