Ice vs Heat

The old tale, which is better...ice or heat? I always tell clients that it depends on the situation. If it's a new injury, definitely ice. If it's a chronic issue or if they have tight muscles, then I suggest heat AND ice.

Sometimes a client says that one or the other help. I say, go with your gut. What does your gut say about it? If you feel like you should use heat, then go ahead but I still suggest following it up with about 5-10 minutes of ice, just to take away any inflammation it may cause.

I had a client that had gotten knee surgery. Her surgeon told her post surgery that she should not use any ice at all, strictly heat. I disagreed but I do my best not to go against a doctor's orders, especially when they are under a doctor's care. She asked what I thought. I told her if it was me, I would do ice and heat but maybe her doctor had other ideas since he knew her patient history.

I still feel that ice should be used, even if it isn't a new injury as long as the body responds positively to it. If the body says no change and people don't like using ice, I don't insist on it. Every body is different and it's important to remember that!

Just remember, that if you do use ice, don't use in one sitting over 15 minutes and make sure to use something between the ice pack and your skin. I knew a person that didn't use something between the ice pack and skin and left it on for an hour. There was discoloration on the skin where the pack was.

Bottom line... trust your gut!

Get 20% OFF ALL COURSES Now through September 30! (excluding discounted bundles) Visit our REGISTRATION Page!