When it comes to soft tissue injuries, both ice and heat can be used for pain management. Since they have different effects on the body, though, they shouldn't be used interchangeably. Whether you recently sustained an acute injury or are dealing with chronic pain, here’s what you should know about applying ice versus heat. 

When to Apply Ice

Ice is most effective at providing pain management for acute injuries. Applying an ice pack to a new injury—one that you sustained within the last 48 hours—can relieve swelling, minimize bleeding, and reduce muscle spasms. 

When icing an injury, it’s important to keep a few tips in mind. For example, you should never apply ice directly to the skin, and you shouldn’t keep the ice pack in one place. Moving the pack around the affected site and taking it off within 30 minutes will prevent ice burns. 

When to Apply Heat

Because heat can stimulate circulation and relax the muscles, it’s ideal for relieving chronic pain. In fact, since it’s so good at facilitating blood flow, it should not be applied to acute injuries because it’ll just make swelling worse by drawing more blood to the affected site. Instead, use heat to relieve overuse injuries like muscle sprains and strains and conditions like arthritis. For optimal performance, apply heat before any physical activities—but never after.

You can apply both heating pads and hot, wet towels directly to the skin. Make sure to keep the temperature at a reasonable level, though; it should never be uncomfortably hot, and your exposure should be limited to 20 or 30 minutes at a time. 

While ice and heat can serve as an effective means of pain management for mild to moderate injuries, they're no match for more severe issues. If you need help with debilitating neck or back pain, turn to O’Fallon Pain Relief Associates in St. Charles County, MO. This practice considers itself a one-stop shop for pain management. Their rehabilitation services include advanced diagnostics, spinal adjustments, physical therapy, prescription medication, and nonsurgical disc decompression. Visit their website or call (636) 978-3000 to schedule an appointment.