We are asked a lot if you should use heat or ice on an injury. Do you need to ice first? Should heat be applied first? How long ought you to utilise it for? Perhaps you should switch between the two? How long should it be left on for? Heat, Ice, or Nothing for the Knee?
Although modern physical therapists refer to them as modalities, the use of cold and heat has been used for as long as anybody can remember. It’s crucial to comprehend the underlying mechanism of harm and how the body responds to it in order to know which one to use when.
Muscle, tendon, and ligament strains and sprains are tiny (and occasionally not so microscopic) injuries. Once the tissue is damaged, the tiny blood arteries that supply the area are also damaged, which causes blood to flow into the damaged tissue. Multiple systems in the body can eventually stop this bleeding. So why don’t these start working right away? In order for the body to begin the healing process after an accident, it is crucial to apply as many healing ingredients as possible to the affected area. Although it is beneficial, it can also become excessive and lead to greater pain and restricted range of motion. You can reduce the amount of pain and suffering you are experiencing by applying ice to the injury at first to reduce swelling. Usually, the swelling reaches its peak within 48 hours following the initial injury. As a result, using ice for the first 48 hours is crucial.
It’s time to start the healing process after the initial swelling has been reduced. In this case, it’s crucial to increase the area’s blood flow and the number of healing cells. By applying heat, which stimulates blood flow to the surrounding tissues and creates the ideal environment for your body to try to repair, you can aid in the healing process. During the healing process, increased he also helps to loosen the muscles and gives them a better range of motion.
It’s crucial to use caution and not overdo it while administering heat or ice. The best orthopedic doctor in Delhi NCR has observed patients who suffered severe burns from excessive heat and frostbite from leaving ice on for too long. Applying ice to the affected area for no longer than 15 minutes at a time should be the general rule when using ice. Additionally, keep in mind that gravity has a tendency to pull fluid downhill, so elevate the region of damage. Keep in mind that hotter is not always better when applying heat. A low heat source that gradually radiates will work better and present less of a risk of skin burn.
Last but not least, you should seek medical guidance if your ailment calls for repeated use of ice or heat. Dr A K Sharma at Global Orthopaedics and Speciality Clinics is specialist in the diagnosis, care, and rehabilitation of damaged tissues and bones.
