REHAB SERVICES Q: : When should I use ice versus heat for my injury? Mike Lohse, A: This is probably one of the most common questions we get in therapy, and is actually a great question worth discussing. In general, the most appropriate time to use ice is in the acute stages of an injury, usually the first 1-2 weeks. Ice helps control inflammation, swelling, and pain after an injury. In some cases, such as after surgery, ice is often helpful for pain control for up to 4-6 weeks after surgery as needed. But when is a good time for heat? A big part of that answer depends on what your goals are for using heat vs. ice. Lets look at what ice does to the body. First of all, it constricts blood vessels, which helps to reduce swelling. It slows nerve conduction, which relieves pain, and cools the tissue, which helps minimize inflammation. What does heat do? Heat will cause blood vessels to dilate, increasing blood flow to a given area. Healing is in the blood, and without good circulation, you can't have good healing. So, heat is appropriate after the acute stages of an injury, to help with healing. It also helps improve tissue extensibility, which can be helpful if you are trying to restore range of motion or mobility at the injured area. In later stages of healing, heat can also be good for pain control as well. So in general, use ice early, but it is ok to switch to heat later on. DPT Sanford Bemidji Rehab Services SANFORD "| 1300 Anne Street NW TM Bemidji, MN 56601 (218) 333-5898 www.bemidji.sanfordhealth.org Bemidji REHAB SERVICES Q: : When should I use ice versus heat for my injury? Mike Lohse, A: This is probably one of the most common questions we get in therapy, and is actually a great question worth discussing. In general, the most appropriate time to use ice is in the acute stages of an injury, usually the first 1-2 weeks. Ice helps control inflammation, swelling, and pain after an injury. In some cases, such as after surgery, ice is often helpful for pain control for up to 4-6 weeks after surgery as needed. But when is a good time for heat? A big part of that answer depends on what your goals are for using heat vs. ice. Lets look at what ice does to the body. First of all, it constricts blood vessels, which helps to reduce swelling. It slows nerve conduction, which relieves pain, and cools the tissue, which helps minimize inflammation. What does heat do? Heat will cause blood vessels to dilate, increasing blood flow to a given area. Healing is in the blood, and without good circulation, you can't have good healing. So, heat is appropriate after the acute stages of an injury, to help with healing. It also helps improve tissue extensibility, which can be helpful if you are trying to restore range of motion or mobility at the injured area. In later stages of healing, heat can also be good for pain control as well. So in general, use ice early, but it is ok to switch to heat later on. DPT Sanford Bemidji Rehab Services SANFORD "| 1300 Anne Street NW TM Bemidji, MN 56601 (218) 333-5898 www.bemidji.sanfordhealth.org Bemidji