![\"winter-scene\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/simonbelair.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/winter-scene-150x150.jpg?resize=230%2C230\")
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The winter and its icy sidewalks bring once again their share of falls and false moves. At the clinic I\u2019ve had a large number of patients come to see me for various pains, sprains and bruises caused by falling on the ice. The question many are asking themselves is: should I apply ice or heat?\u00a0 Here are a few guidelines to help you make an informed decision:
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The reflex:<\/strong>\u00a0Very short term. Sharp pain, swelling, heat, redness, inflammation.<\/p>\n Why? S<\/strong>lows down the local blood flow, decreases the swelling and stops the inflammation and blood effusion from taking undue proportions.<\/p>\n If there is pain, swelling, redness and loss of function, it can be useful to apply ice to control the inflammation. In this case, you want to control the inflammation process, not eliminate it completely. Somewhat like fever, inflammation is the immune system\u2019s defensive reaction to aggression.<\/p>\n The risk:<\/strong> Increases muscle stiffness and spasms, slows down the healing process, congests the wounded area. It\u2019s important to know that ice will slow down the circulatory effect and will stop the blood and lymphatic fluid from returning to general circulation and being eliminated.\u00a0 Muscles and tendons will stiffen and will recover with more difficulty. The reflex:<\/strong>\u00a0Chronic or acute pain, tension, stiffness, spasms. The best of both worlds if paired with actions, which foster circulation and the elimination of blockages.<\/p>\n Why?:<\/strong>\u00a0Fosters blood flow, stimulates relaxation and the repair of damaged tissues. If there are no inflammatory symptoms or any pronounced swelling but pain nonetheless, stiffness and loss of function, it\u2019s better to apply heat. This allows the body to relax the muscles and tendons, to increase flexibility and to stimulate normal self-healing processes. In this way, muscle spasms, pain and chronic tendonitis will respond better to heat.<\/p>\n The risk:<\/strong>\u00a0Increases the inflammation if blood flow of peripheral zones is not ensured. It\u2019s important to pair heat with a massage or with acupuncture<\/a> in order to allow the inflammation and swelling to do their work but also to flow and be eliminated by the body.<\/p>\n Obviously, going with what seems most comfortable for you is the best way to choose between ice and heat. It\u2019s nonetheless important to keep in mind that the body puts mechanisms in place in order to repair and heal itself. These processes need to be assisted and not \u201dput to sleep\u201d at any price. It\u2019s still important to consult a health professional in order to get informed advice and suggestions, which are adapted to your particular situation.<\/p>\n
\n <\/p>\nHEAT<\/strong><\/h2>\n