The most common question that’s asked every day by patients that are receiving treatment, whether it be for acute or chronic injury is “What’s better Heat or Ice?”
While both have the ability to decrease pain and help with management of your symptoms, there is an advantage to picking the correct treatment.
For an acute injury such as a sprained joint, typically ICE is the first option. Cold reduces the nerve conduction velocity (how quickly your brain receives pain messages) as such it acts as a numbing agent to reduce pain. ICE also constricts blood vessels leading to the site of injury which aids in decreasing swelling.
HEAT by comparison is typically used for chronic pain or after the initial acute phase of an injury has subsided. HEAT helps to encourage blood flow and increase the extensibility of collagen tissues which aids in mobility and flexibility.
Raising tissue temperatures relaxes muscles; reduces spasms and achiness. It also dilates blood vessels which increases the delivery of oxygen and nutrients and removal of metabolic waste. This is important when the body is attempting to lay down new tissue to repair an injury.
It's important to note that due to the depth of most tissues in the back, ICE is ineffective and HEAT should be applied instead.
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