Heat vs. Cold

Heat Vs. Cold

The age old debate! Here is what we know in 2022:

COLD - typically effective with acute injuries

• Helps to decrease inflammation and swelling. An example may be if you sprained your ankle or wrist from a fall.

• Helps with post operative healing. An example may be a hip replacement, knee replacement, ACL repair, Rotator Cuff Repair - to name a few.

HEAT - typically effective with chronic injuries

• If you have tight muscles, heat may help stimulate muscle relaxation

• If you have osteoarthritis, heat helps to promote circulation in an osteoarthritic joint

When can BOTH be effective?

• Both can be used in a “contrast” style (15 minutes on 15 minutes off) for general pain management

• Or for personal preference!