To heat or ice: that is the question!

Written By Dr Stacy Simon

Heat and ice are both beneficial to use for minor aches and pains. But what determines which is better to use?

Heat: Heat therapy helps with longstanding issues, tight muscles and stiff joints. It relieves pain, relaxes muscles and increases blood flow to the area by opening up the blood vessels.

Ice: Cold therapy helps with a new injury or an aggravation of a longstanding issue. It reduces pain, inflammation and swelling by slowing down blood flow to an injured area.

Quick Tips:

  • When in doubt, use ICE!

  • Use heat/ice for 20 minutes at a time with an hour rest before another application

  • Do not place heat or ice directly on the skin to avoid burns/blisters

Dr Stacy Simon
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