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Heat vs. Ice
Welcome to
Doctor’s Corner, a new regular feature on Outsports. This feature is
designed to give athletes--whether competitive or weekend
warriors--practical advice on staying healthy and staving off injury.
If you have any questions, suggestions or other concerns please feel
free to
Dr. Gloin directly
By
Dr. Matthew Gloin
Outsports.com
 When it
comes to bumps, bruises and other aches and pains, a common question
that I am asked is “when should I use ice and when should I use heat?”
The answer to this depends on a number of things.
Take a moment and learn what you may want to do for your next ache
and/or pain.
What is:
1. Superficial heat?
2. Cryotherapy?
Superficial heat is hot packs, warm moist towels, heating pads, water
bottles, and infrared lamps are often used to help raise the
temperature of soft tissues directly below the surface of the skin.
Cryotherapy is a term that describes the application of ice, cold towels,
ice massage, and compresses to reduce the temperature of tissues
directly on or below the surface of the skin.
How does it work?
Heat applied to the surface of the skin enlarges blood vessels below
the surface, relaxing tissues and can temporarily relieve painful
symptoms.
Surface cooling constricts blood vessels, numbs painful areas, and
helps relax muscle spasms. Cold temperatures reduce nerve transmission
of painful symptoms and provide temporary relief.
When should it be used?
Heat is usually recommended for the relaxation of tissues in spasm and
temporary relief of the symptoms associated with chronic (old) pain
and muscle tightness. Local heat should be applied when symptoms are
present. (Apply heat for a duration of 10-15 minutes maximum and
discontinue if the pain increases or the complaint seems to be
worsening).
Ice is often used to manage acute (new) or recent eruptions of chronic
conditions i.e. re-injuring a knee. Cooling-affected tissues is
effective in reducing and preventing posttraumatic swelling. Local
cooling should be applied several times a day during the initial
stages of an injury. (Apply for 10-15 minutes maximum and discontinue
if the pain increases or the complaint seems to be worsening. Do not
apply ice directly onto skin. Always cover the ice/ice pack with a
thin towel).
Why is it used?
Using heat to calm tissues suffering from long-term spasm or
irritation is an easy way to increase flexibility, range of motion and
to promote increased circulation to speed the healing process.
Cryotherapy is inexpensive, readily available and an easy way to
reduce local swelling of inflamed tissues.
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Heat helps increase circulation, relaxes muscle tension, reduces
joint stiffness, prepares tissues for rehabilitation, widely
available and inexpensive. |
 |
Ice helps reduce swelling and inflammation, numbs affected area to
reduce pain, reduces muscle spasms, inexpensive and can be
self-applied. |
Consult your doctor before the self-administration of any therapy.
If you have any questions, suggestions or other concerns please feel
free to
contact me directly.
Matthew Gloin is a chiropractor in
Beverly Hills, Calif., who specializes in spinal biomechanics
and sports injuries He graduated from the Southern California
University of Health Sciences, Summa Cum Laude, and holds an Honors
Bachelor of Science degree in Human Biology and Physiology. In each
article he will highlight a specific topic and will also answer any
reader questions.
Other health columns:
Stretching myths and facts
Photos by
Brent Mullins / Outsports.com |
