Ice or Heat ?

Health > Ice or Heat?

Should I use ice or heat to treat my injury?

It is often difficult for patients to determine whether ice or heat treatment is appropriate for an injury. Whilst heat often provides immediate comfort and relief, it may actually be causing more harm than good. Likewise, incorrect use of ice may also prolong injury recovery.

If used correctly, however, appropriate ice and heat treatment can help to reduce bleeding, inflammation, swelling, muscle spasm and pain following injury. Ice and heat treatment can also accelerate healing and hasten injury recovery.

How is ice treatment beneficial?

Ice treatment for injuries helps to reduce blood flow to the affected region. This is beneficial in the inflammatory phase of an injury (the first 72 hours following injury or injury aggravation) as it helps to reduce the amount of inflammation and swelling that accumulates in the injured region. Ice treatment may also help to reduce pain and muscle spasm.

In addition to ice treatment, further measures to reduce blood flow to the affected region are indicated in the first 72 hours following injury and should comprise: Rest from aggravating activities, Elevation of the injured part above the level of your heart and the use of a Compression bandage (see R.I.C.E.).

When should I use ice?

Ice treatment should be used for 20 minutes every 2 hours during the inflammatory phase of an injury (first 72 hours following injury or injury aggravation).

Since inflammation normally presents as a pain or ache that increases with rest (especially first thing in the morning or at night) and reduces with movement or a hot shower, we can use these symptoms as a guide for the indication of ice treatment.

Therefore, ice should be used for a minimum of 72 hours following injury AND until you have no achiness or pain at night or upon waking in the morning.

During this period, avoid heat treatment, alcohol and massage (to the injured area), all of which increase blood flow and subsequent inflammation.

How do I use ice?

When using ice for injury treatment, the injured area should be iced for 20 minutes every 2 hours. This can be accomplished by using crushed ice or an ice pack wrapped in a damp tea towel. Try to maintain good contact with the affected area and ideally elevate the injured area above the level of your heart.

For smaller areas, an ice massage may be performed for 5 minutes and repeated every 2 hours. This may be accomplished by applying ice directly to the injured area. A Styrofoam cup filled with water and placed in the freezer until it freezes can be an excellent way to perform an ice massage whilst protecting your fingers from excessive cold. Simply peel back the edge of the cup to expose the ice and apply to the injured area.

For the extremities, such as ankles, feet, toes, wrist, hands and fingers, submerging the injured body part into iced water for 10 minute periods every 2 hours may be easier to perform and more effective in treating these smaller areas.

(N.B. People who are sensitive to cold or have circulatory problems need to be wary when using ice treatment).

How is heat treatment beneficial?

Heat treatment increases blood flow to the affected region. This is beneficial after the inflammatory phase of an injury, since more blood flow means more nutrients and oxygen are transported to damaged tissue, therefore speeding healing. Heat can also help to reduce pain and muscle spasm as well as reduce muscle tightness and joint stiffness.

If used during the inflammatory phase (first three days), heat treatment may increase inflammation and swelling, and can subsequently prolong injury recovery.

When should I use heat?

Heat can be used to speed injury healing once the injury has completed the inflammatory phase. This is usually three days following injury, however, if the injured region is re-aggravated, further inflammation may occur.As a general rule, heat treatment should only be used after the initial 72 hour period following injury or injury aggravation. In addition, heat should only be used provided there are no inflammatory symptoms (such as pain at rest or achiness at night or upon waking in the morning that eases with movement).

How do I use heat?

Apply a heat pack for 10 – 30 minutes at a comfortable warmth to the injured area.It is recommended that this treatment is repeated 2 – 5 times daily or as required and should ideally be used before exercise.

Ensure your heat pack is not hot enough to cause a burn. Wrapping your heat pack in towels can help to reduce the temperature.

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Physiotherapy Products to assist with ice or heat treatment & rehabilitation

• Hot & Cold Packs
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• Rehabilitation Products

To purchase physiotherapy products to assist with ice or heat treatment or injury rehabilitation click on one of the above links or visit the PhysioAdvisor Shop.

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More Information

• View further information about the R.I.C.E. Regime.
• Read detailed information about a variety of Injuries.

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