Ice, Heat or Nothing On Your Muscle Pain
Ice, Heat or Nothing On Your Muscle Pain
ICE, HEAT or Nothing on Your Muscle Pain?
Massage can definitely help release your muscle pain and it is very important for you to know what to do as a first step so you can heal faster!
Roughly speaking Ice is for acute pain, and Heat is for chronic stiffness, aching muscles. But there are always exceptions.
Let’s figure out your case and solutions!
ICE (COLD THERAPY) is for acute pain.
Ice (cold therapy) should be used right after Injury or activity that aggravates a chronic condition. They might occur with sports, slipping on ice, falling or lifting heavy or light items from the floor.
Following conditions are for cold therapy (ice)
- Fresh injuries
- Twisted ankles
- Pulled muscle
- Inflammation
- Red skin
- Heat on skin
- Swollen
- Migraine Headaches
- Bumps
- Sprains
- Strains
HELPFUL TIP
- Use a thin towel to cover Ice (Not on direct to skin).
- Apply ice for 15 minutes and remove for 45 minute ( Repeat this until you feel less pain).
- When you apply ice, check the skin every 5 minutes.
HEAT (HEAT THERAPY) is for chronic pain.
Heat is a great way to Help loosen up tight joints and tight muscles.
Heat (heat therapy) should be used for a chronic condition. They might occur by keeping in the same posture for long hours. For example, working on the computer for long hours for many years, trying not to move the injured body parts.
It is better to wait 48 -72 hours before considering heat therapy.
Following conditions are for heat therapy (heat)
- Chronic pain (Long term pain)
- Stiffness
- Stress (Anxiety)
- Tension
HELPFUL TIP
- Use a thin towel to cover Heat (Not on direct skin).
- Apply Ice for 15 minutes and remove for 45 minute ( Repeat this until you feel less pain).
- Do Not lie on a hot pack to avoid falling asleep and potentially burning yourself.
- Do Not use heat if you have no feeling in the affected part.
- Do Not use heat if you have poor circulation such as diabetes.
Not Useful to put Ice or Heat.
- Cut (No Ice or Heat)
- Sweating (No Heat)
- Shivering (No Ice)
- Brushing (No Heat)
This information and advice is from Misa Oku Massage therapist for you to have a general idea what to do for your case. Please consult with your doctor if it’s necessary .
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