Hot vs. Cold Therapy
Applying heat or ice can be an effective way to manage pain or help recover from an injury. However, people who have certain skin conditions, a loss of skin sensation, infections, circulation problems, Cancer or Tuberculosis should check with a health care professional prior to applying hot or cold. I give the following guidelines to patients and recommend that the decision be based on their preference on which therapy they find to be more effective. Here are some tips to help you choose hot vs. cold therapy:
Ice
Ice is generally best used for recent, acute injuries where the area is red, hot and swollen. It helps to cool and restrict blood flow to the area to decrease swelling and inflammation, as well as pain. Ice often works best for pain that is throbbing or achy and is present all of the time, even when you are resting. Ice packs, ice baths and cryotherapy units are the most effective way to cool down an injured area, although ointments such as deep cold can also have an effect.
Heat
Heat is often best used if the pain / injury is NOT recent (occurring within 1-3 days) and the area is NOT red, hot or swollen. It helps to heat and increase blood flow to the area loosening up tight tissues, promoting healing and providing pain relief. Heat packs, hot baths and exercising are the most effective ways to heat an area, although ointments such as Rub A535 can also have an effect.
I often recommend to patients that heat or ice be applied throughout the day for the best results. Therapy lasting 10 minutes on small areas such as the foot and hand and 20 minutes on larger areas such as a thigh are usually sufficient. For further questions, contact your local health care professional.
Written by: Trevor Adamus (Physiotherapist)
