Ice VS. Heat: What to Use and When
With the change in weather, life’s bumps and bruises may feel more noticeable. If you’re managing an injury, online advice about whether to use heat or ice for pain and inflammation can be overwhelming and contradictory.
We’re here to help clear things up. Here are some guidelines for choosing between heat and ice for different types of injuries.
Headaches: If you're experiencing a throbbing headache, try using a cool compress on the base of your skull and around your neck instead of taking a pain reliever like ibuprofen. For tension headaches, opt for a warm compress on your neck to help relax tight muscles. If you frequently suffer from headaches, schedule an appointment with us.
New Injuries (typically the first few days): Ice therapy constricts blood vessels, which minimizes swelling and pain. This can provide relief and aids healing. In contrast, applying heat to a new injury can increase blood flow, thus increasing inflammation and potentially delaying recovery. Thus, ice is preferred for acute injuries.
Chronic Injuries (older then 2-3 days): Use a heating pad for persistent injuries, as the heat can enhance circulation and relax tight muscles, helping to alleviate stiffness in joints and providing relief.
Strains or Sprains: Both heat and ice can be helpful. Apply ice right after a strain or sprain to reduce swelling and inflammation. Once the inflammation subsides, switch to heat to relieve muscle stiffness.
Need More Help?
We’re always here for you. If you’re dealing with a new or chronic injury, consider booking a visit with our practice to see if natural, gentle chiropractic adjustments could help. Domier Chiropractic is here to answer all your questions, and we are open 24/7 online at domierchiro.com.
Brittany Domier
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