Sports med tip of the week…To heat or ice? That is the - TopicsExpress



          

Sports med tip of the week…To heat or ice? That is the question…We get this question all the time. As a general rule icing an injury is the best choice. Ice works as an anti-inflammatory and directly reduces pain signals. It is great for acute injuries (sprains, strains and even fractures). Ice can also be used in the rehab phase after physical activity or therapy. Heat on the other hand is good to loosen up stiff muscles or joints, especially prior to activity or therapy. Heat is also good to use on hematomas (large bruises) 72 hrs past the injury to help resorb the blood collection. I also find heat better tolerated for neck pains. Either should be applied for ~20-25 minutes and can be repeated every few hours. It is important to put a thin protective barrier between the heat or ice and your skin. Stay safe my friends…
Posted on: Thu, 31 Jul 2014 01:11:02 +0000

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