Quick Tip: Ice or Heat?
October 16th, 2019 by Stephanie Farrer
It’s been a week. Already. But in a good way. Those of you who live here in Highlands County will know what I mean—the snowbirds are coming back. Highway 27 is already booming and it’s only mid-October! I’m excited about it. I love it when my phone is ringing. I know not everybody feels this way, but I am so thankful for our seasonal visitors.
I have been asked this question twice this week already, so I thought it would be a good time to answer it. “Should I be using ice or heat for ______?”
It depends. As a general rule, you want to use ice for a fresh injury. For the first few days to weeks after any injury, you want to use ice because it constricts blood vessels and limits bruising. Ice is also great for calming inflammation. I know it is not exactly fun to use ice, but it is your best friend right after something has gone wrong.
Heat is what you want for a chronic injury. Low back pain, joint pains, muscle aches and pains—heat is your buddy. I tell my patients who suffer from chronic pain that the only thing better than heat is MOIST HEAT. Moist heat is the best way to calm the muscles. Moist heating pads are awesome, but hot tubs are even better.
These are general rules. I have included some more articles on ice and heat if you want to dig a little deeper. I highly recommend the one at the top of this list from Cleveland Clinic, it has a great infographic that you can print out and keep on hand to refer to if you want. And I am always here if you have any questions.
Enjoy the rest of your week!
—Stephanie
Helpful Links:
Quick Tip: Ice or Heat?
October 16th, 2019 by Stephanie Farrer
It’s been a week. Already. But in a good way. Those of you who live here in Highlands County will know what I mean—the snowbirds are coming back. Highway 27 is already booming and it’s only mid-October! I’m excited about it. I love it when my phone is ringing. I know not everybody feels this way, but I am so thankful for our seasonal visitors.
I have been asked this question twice this week already, so I thought it would be a good time to answer it. “Should I be using ice or heat for ______?”
It depends. As a general rule, you want to use ice for a fresh injury. For the first few days to weeks after any injury, you want to use ice because it constricts blood vessels and limits bruising. Ice is also great for calming inflammation. I know it is not exactly fun to use ice, but it is your best friend right after something has gone wrong.
Heat is what you want for a chronic injury. Low back pain, joint pains, muscle aches and pains—heat is your buddy. I tell my patients who suffer from chronic pain that the only thing better than heat is MOIST HEAT. Moist heat is the best way to calm the muscles. Moist heating pads are awesome, but hot tubs are even better.
These are general rules. I have included some more articles on ice and heat if you want to dig a little deeper. I highly recommend the one at the top of this list from Cleveland Clinic, it has a great infographic that you can print out and keep on hand to refer to if you want. And I am always here if you have any questions.
Enjoy the rest of your week!
—Stephanie
Helpful Links:
