HEAT or ICE?

Most of us when in pain are not sure of whether to use heat or ice as a treatment.

The best guideline is the following :

Ice is always used when there is inflammation. This is beacause you want to slow down the rate of blood flow to the site of injury/pain. By slowing down the blood flow, you reduce the amount of inflammation. Never keep your ice pack on the area for more than 10-15min as thereafter it has the opposite effect.

Heat thus is used for the opposite. So if there is spasm, but no inflammation you want to use heat.The best way to check for inflammation is to feel if the area is warm. If it is than there is most likely some inflammation. The heat helps relax the muscles and ease the spasm. Again don't apply the heat for more than 10-15min.

Short, sweet and helpful:)