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Should I Use Ice or Should I Use Heat?

Last updated on August 20, 2020 By Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT 3 Comments

knee pain
Here is a basic list that tries to answer the epic question: Ice or Heat?

sore back1. Ice is generally advised for acute injuries, particularly during the first two weeks following tissue damage. Ankle sprains, sports injuries, back spasm, or most sudden orthopedic injuries that cause swelling and inflammation are a few examples.

2. Heat is more advisable for chronic injuries, or injuries that have been problematic for a longer period of time. A sore back that has been an issue for months or years would be an example of an injury that may benefit from heat.

3. Heat tends to be helpful PRIOR to performing exercise, as it causes a localized increase in blood flow in muscle tissue.

4. Ice tends to be helpful AFTER exercise, as it acts as an analgesic and lessens pain and swelling.

aching foot5. Heat tends to be helpful for common osteoarthritis. Stiff joints that are arthritic tend to feel more loosened with the application of heat.

6. Heat is generally not advisable for rheumatoid arthritis, as this type of arthritis can become more inflamed with the increase in blood flow that results from heat.

7. Superficial tendonitis, or inflammation of tendons that are close to the skin surface, may benefit from application of ice. Tennis elbow, patellar tendonitis, Achilles tendonitis, and wrist overuse tendonitis are a few examples of areas that can cool down quickly from ice application.

Even though the above rules are based on patient feedback and some medical consensus, the application of ice or heat is somewhat subjective. If you don’t deal well with one of the above rules, go with what makes your injury feel better.

Filed Under: Exercise & Fitness, Featured, Injury Prevention, Orthopedic Injury, Physical Therapy



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About Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT

Dan is a licensed Physical Therapist in the District of Columbia, license #PT2916. He has a Masters of Science degree in Physical Therapy from Washington University in St. Louis, MO. Dan specializes in sports medicine & upper extremity rehabilitation. He is a Certified Hand Therapist, certified by the American Society of Hand Therapists (initial certification date 11/6/2004, certification #1041100023). Dan has extensive continuing education in manual therapy from the Michigan State University School of Osteopathic Medicine.
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Discussion

  1. Missy mckee says

    November 27, 2016 at 10:05 pm

    Just wanting a honest opinion on where I should be in recovery of rotator cuff tear repair. Approaching 3 months and the time where we decide if I return to work. I have a freight supervisor job which requires repetitive lifting. What is normal time to start looking at lifting a greater amount of weight and standing/walking 8 hours a day? I ask this because my shoulder is noticeably lower than other shouldee due to muscle loss.

    Reply
    • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT says

      November 28, 2016 at 8:27 am

      I would say 16 weeks is when most docs will clear RC patients to do light resistance. Based on that timeframe I would want to get some light conditioning in to get the strength up prior to doing your type of work. That would add a few weeks, so I would say maybe 18 weeks? I would also say that transitioning in to work is a great idea if at all possible. It would give the shoulder the opportunity to accommodate to the demands.

      Reply
  2. Cathy Freeland says

    July 31, 2021 at 2:59 am

    I had rotator cuff surgery four hooks and four screws a year ago. I had the opposite arm elbow surgery six months ago. Can I do moderate weight resistance in a gym?

    Reply

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DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is for Educational Purposes Only and is not designed to diagnose, treat, mitigate, prevent or cure any health conditions. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated statements about these health topics or any suggested product compositions. Answers to questions submitted are merely the opinion of the physical therapist and should not be taken as a prescribed course of action. Any advice given by the therapist must be cleared with the treating physician involved in direct patient care. The person posing the question absolves the responder of any liability in regards to opinions given. PhysioDC insists that all patients receive approval from a prescribing physician prior to starting a structured exercise program involving any of the exercises included on this site. PhysioDC.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com; proceeds from product sales help cover the operational & maintenance costs for the site.