FAQ

Ice treatment is most commonly used for acute injuries. If you have had a recent injury (within the last 48 hours) where swelling is a problem, you should be using ice. Ice packs can help minimize swelling around the injury, reduce bleeding into the tissues, and reduce muscle spasm and control pain. RSI type injuries (tennis elbow) can also benefit from icing as well.

Heat treatments should be used for chronic soft tissue conditions to help relax and loosen tissues and to stimulate blood flow to the area. Use heat treatments for conditions such as overuse injuries before participating in activities. Heating tissues can be accomplished using a heating pad, or even a hot, wet towel even using a bath. When using heat treatments, be very careful to use a moderate heat for a limited time to avoid burns. Never leave heating pads or towels on for extended periods of time or while sleeping.

Precautions using cold or heat 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;
If you have diabetes;
In the presence of infection.

Questions & Answers

Get in touch