Ice vs Heat

Using an Ice Pack:

• Use an ice pack on acute or recent injuries where swelling is present, or chronic conditions such as overuse injuries.
• Ice will help to decrease swellingaround an injury to control the pain.
• Apply ice for no more than 20-minutes and allow for skin to return to normal temperature before reapplying.
• Ice is used after the activity - not before.

Using a Heat Pad

• Heat is best used to relax and loosen muscles.
• Heat can improve flexibility of tendons & ligaments and elevate blood flow.
• Heat is often used for chronic conditions such as overuse before activity.
• Don't use heat on injuries where swelling is a factor.
• Apply heat for no more than 20 minutes at a time.

If pain or swelling is still present after 48 hours - give us a call!
We offer Free Injury Assessmentsto identify any ache, pain or injury. Simply call our office at (425) 329-7266