I have an injury and I am confused about when to use heat and when to use ice, is there a general rule that I should use?

Answer:

Both heat and ice are simple yet effective ways to combat pain without the use of conventional painkillers. As a general rule, whenever there is inflammation that produces swelling apply ice to the injured or sore area. Putting ice on the inflamed or swollen area decreases the blood flow, hence decreasing the swelling, which in turn reduces the pressure on the pain fibers and as a result the pain decreases. Heat has the opposite effect. Heat produces a vasodilatory response in the blood vessels causing more blood to rush into the area. If the area is already swollen the increased blood flow into the area will put more pressure on the pain fibers resulting in more pain! OUCH! Do not throw your heat packs away just yet. When blood enters into an injured area it brings along with it healing agents to help you along with the healing process. Once the swelling or inflammation ceases in the injured area and only stiffness remains heat can help. Heat not only promotes healing by delivering healing agents but it also helps to relieve pain. Be sure to contact your doctor before using heat or ice on an injured area.

Karp Rehabilitation is an active rehabilitation program specializing with soft-tissue injury rehabilitation. For more information call 604.420.7800.

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