Ice vs Heat
The question of whether to use heat or ice is an age-old question. But there still isn’t a definitive answer on which one is the best to use. To consider which one would be best for you, let’s have a look into how each one works and its benefits.
Heat Therapy
• Heat therapy creates blood vessels to widen, known as vasodilation. The widening of blood vessels results in an increase in blood flow.
• When you use heat therapy the benefits are believed to assist with increasing muscle flexibility and reducing the stiffness of joints.
Ice Therapy
• Ice therapy creates blood vessels to narrow, known as vasoconstriction. The narrowing of blood vessels creates a decrease in blood flow, although the vasoconstriction does not last indefinitely.
• The benefits of ice therapy are believed to be numbing of the area and a reduction in swelling and inflammation.
So when do we use Ice vs Heat?
• Personal preferences should be taken into consideration when choosing ice or heat. If you see the above benefits, that may aid in your decision.
• With new or acute injuries, it is important that we use ice over heat. In the first 48 hours, the body is in a phase known as the inflammatory phase. This is when the body is trying to protect itself from further injury. By introducing heat during this stage you can increase the swelling in the area. Ice should be the modality of choice in this instance.
When NOT to use ice or heat therapy?
• If you have any conditions that reduce the sensitivity of your skin you should avoid using ice and heat therapy. It is important you take into consideration reduced sensitivity, especially reduced thermal sensitivity of the areas where being applied as you may not be aware of burns occurring.
• If you have been advised not to use either ice or heat.
• If you have immediate plans to return to exercise. It is important not to continue the activity after icing. If you use ice and continue to exercise you may be more susceptible to injury.
Hopefully this helps when deciding whether to use heat or cold. If you have an injury, don’t hesitate to book in with one of our Osteopaths at Be Well Health Group.
Olivia