Heat vs Ice

So, where do we start, heat or ice? 

Heat and ice have been used for many years to treat pain and to reduce swelling,              and many people find them very effective. 

You'll often hear people say, "use some heat cream" or "put some frozen peas on it"

When and why? 

We've put together some top tips on when best to use heat and ice. 

• Ice is an effective and natural pain killer and anti-inflammatory.
• Ice should be applied over the inflamed area in the acute or early stages of your problem.
• Whenever you experience swelling, redness or sharp/stabbing pain it is generally considered best to apply ice.
• Repeat until symptoms ease usually for 24 – 48 hours. 
• Following this you should alternate with ice and heat. 
• Apply heat for about 20 minutes and then follow with 20 minutes of cold.

Precautions when using heat and ice.

Do not use heat or cold packs:

• Over areas of skin that are in poor condition.
• Over areas of skin with poor sensation to heat or cold.
• Over areas of the body with known poor circulation.
• In the presence of infection.
• Also, do not use ice packs on the left shoulder if you have a heart condition. 
• Do not use ice packs around the front or side of the neck.

If you have Diabetes you can, over time, develop nerve damage, which means your sensation to hot and cold may not be as accurate as it once was. Check your skin every few minutes for any sign of irritation and limit heat and ice sessions to 10 minutes at a time. Always put layers of fabric between your skin and the source of heat or cold. Doubled-up towels work well.

Ice causes a longer-lasting effect on the circulation than heat,. Also, the painkilling properties of ice are deeper and longer-lasting than heat.

Both heat and ice can be re-applied after an hour if needed.

Heat is an effective therapy for reducing muscular tension and pain and is best used 

AFTER the initial inflammation has subsided.

N.B. If you do not have ice immediately available, then use a pack of frozen peas or similar. ALWAYS wrap heat and cold packs in a towel to prevent further injury. 

We sell Wheaty Warmers and Cold Packs.

You can purchase them in Reception.

If in doubt or you need further information speak to your practitioner or contact us on....

01270 629933 email info@weaverhouse.com