Should You Heat or Ice Your Injury?

Chiropractic care is excellent for treating a number of injuries, but what should you do immediately after sustaining an injury? Some people pick up the heating pad while others go for the ice pack. Some even do both, which can further aggravate the injury. Here are our tips for heat and ice therapy.

Feeling Frosty
For inflammation and injuries, ice is usually the ideal option. The cold temperature will reduce inflammation and swelling by restricting blood flow. Any time you suffer bruising, a sprain, or a strain – head for the freezer and get out the ice pack.
There are two main methods for using ice therapy:
• Immediately: this prevents the injured area from stiffening up
• Rehabilitation: physical therapists, massage therapists, and chiropractors use cold therapy to reduce spasm and pain which allows for improved mobility

If you have poor circulation or have cardiovascular disease, consult with your primary physician before using ice therapy. You will also want to pay attention to how long you are using an ice pack for, as you can experience skin, tissue, or nerve damage is left on for long periods of time.

It’s Getting Hot in Here
Take a moment and think about relaxing situations: hot tubs, warm baths, saunas…what do these all have in common? Heat! Heat is excellent for relaxation. Ice restricts the blood vessels but heat does the opposite and opens them up, increasing blood flow to the injured area. For aches and pains, this is great. It can also help repair damaged tissue as increased blood flow stimulates healing. Just 15-20 minutes of heat therapy can alleviate minor tension and stiffness.
But, just as you have to pay attention when using an ice pack, you also have to be aware when using a heating pad. You need to be careful not to burn yourself and avoid using heat on any bruising or swelling or near open wounds. If you have heart disease or hypertension, ask your primary physician before using heat therapy.

The Ultimate Therapy
When it comes to injury caused by exercise or physical activity, heat and ice therapy are both beneficial, but they aren’t long-term solutions. A healthy musculoskeletal system is critical to healing and overall health and wellness and has positive effects on how well the body functions. Regular chiropractic care can help maintain a healthy musculoskeletal system while reducing pain and tension. To protect yourself from pain and injury and keep your body healthy, choose chiropractic. To learn more about how your local Pontiac, IL chiropractor can help, click here to contact us.

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