Everyone you ask has a different opinion on whether we should use heat or ice to control inflammation, swelling & pain.
What about with chronic pains or acute sporting injury?
For a while my standard advice was try both and use what makes it feel better. Mainly because using an ice bath after a footy game was horrible and I didn’t feel any better!
Using Low level continues heat packs/wraps (Hotteze & Flexeze are examples) have shown to have the best results for reducing lower back pain, some studies have told us it’s more effective than ibuprofen and paracetamol medications!
By applying a low level heat pack for 8+ hours a day or night or whatever continues hours you choose, the heat penetrates the tissues and assists with the healing process, not just taking away pain.
This type of hot help also allows us to return to exercise faster and movement is a major key to recovering from injury. They are even using heat wrap therapy in some hospitals after surgery to help with pain management.
Overall we have gone cold on ice but hot for heat. We have been using the heat patches for a greater range of injuries with great results for our clients. The great outcomes have been noticed with rotator cuff injury, back pain and hip issues. As the research shows, and we have also found, that the Low Level Continuous Heat can provide considerable relief for pain. Maybe it’s kick-starting the healing process to a greater degree?
Although there is some evidence suggesting ice is still good for an acute injury such as an ankle sprain, so we can stick with the “Rest, ice, compression and elevation” (RICE) protocol for acute injuries like rolling an ankle or bumping your head.
Phone : 03 9859 5059
Shop 3/74 Doncaster Road, Balwyn North 3104
The Village – Balwyn North
