Have you heard of the acronym R.I.C.E? It stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. It’s commonly given advice in the sports injury world. But you may have also heard about the benefits of heat therapy.
So, what is heat and ice therapy? And how do you know when to use heat and when to use ice?
The guide below will help you decide between heat and ice therapy so that you can get back to feeling better and moving comfortably.
Heat Therapy
You can use heat therapy to increase blood flow and reduce pain through muscles, joints, and tendons in the body. Heat therapy can also improve range of motion – meaning it is easier to move parts of the body even after an injury. Many people prefer to use heat therapy because it’s more comfortable than cold therapy, especially in cold weather.
Heating pads are one of the most effective ways to deliver heat therapy. They are affordable, easy to use and reuse, and you can find them at most drug stores. You may also use hot water bottles or warm towels if you prefer wet heat therapy over dry.You can use heat therapy for minor injuries, sore muscles, cramping, and aches.
Ice Therapy
Ice therapy can be used to reduce swelling or inflammation. The best time to use ice therapy is directly following an injury. You can use ice therapy for muscles, joints, and tendons.
Ice therapy works by narrowing the blood vessels and reducing pain and swelling. You can use an ice pack, bag of ice, or a bag of frozen vegetables to ice an injury. Do not apply ice or ice pack directly to the skin. Instead, wrap it in a towel to provide a barrier between your skin and the ice.
Apply ice for 10 to 15 minutes at a time. You can continue to apply ice throughout the day. If the swelling does not improve, consult a medical professional.
Try Heat and Ice Therapy
Whether you’ve suffered an injury or you experience chronic pain, heat and ice therapy could be right for you. These easy forms of therapy can be completed at home with minimal effort and maximum results.
If you are still struggling with pain and want to seek professional care, contact us. At Amazing Life Chiropractic we help people of all ages recover from injury, improve range of motion, and live better lives.