Ice vs. Heat Mrs. Marr

Topics of Discussion Ice vs. Heat Therapy (Cryo vs. Thermo)

Terminology  Acute Injury –Characterized by rapid onset and resulting from a traumatic event.  Chronic Injury –Characterized by slow onset, implying gradual development of structural damage.  Inflammation –Heat, redness, swelling, and pain that accompany injuries; occurs when tissue is crushed, torn, or stretched.  Cryotherapy  Thermotherapy  P.R.I.C.E

Injury Classification Injuries are classified 2 ways: Acute or Chronic 1. Acute a. Occurring suddenly b. First time injury 1. Sprains Stretching or tearing of ligaments 2. Strains Stretching/ tearing of muscles or tendons

2. Chronic a. Prolonged or gradually occurring b. Occurring repeatedly 1. Tendonitis 2. Faciitis

ICE vs. HEAT What is the best choice?

ICE (CRYOTHERAPY) Indications 1. Acute Sprains 2. Acute Strains 3. Contusions aka “Bruising” 4. Muscle Spasms

ICE (CRYOTHERAPY) Length of Treatment –Apply to injured area for minutes –Wait approximately minutes between applications –Use ice for the first hours after an acute injury

Ways to Apply Ice Cryotherapy Application 1. Ice Pack 2. Ice Massage 3. Chemical Cold Packs 4. Flexible Gel Cold packs 5. Cold Water immersion 6. Vapocoolant Sprays

P.R.I.C.E. : Protection Rest Ice Compression Elevation

HEAT (THERMOTHERAPY)  Heat has the opposite effect of Ice

HEAT (THERMOTHERAPY)  A safe guideline for the progression to Heat is to avoid until the swelling has ceased. –This should be approximately 72 hours post acute injury. –The injured area should have a pain free range of motion –The area should not be acutely painful. –The injured area should have no signs of heat or swelling.

HEAT (THERMOTHERAPY) If any of these signs or symptoms are still present DO NOT START heat as a treatment.

Indications for Thermotherapy INDICATION 1. Chronic Sprains 2. Chronic Strains 3. Chronic Tendonitis 4. Loosen tight muscles 5. Improving circulation

Ways to Apply Heat Methods of Heat Application  Whirlpool Bath  Hydrocollator Packs  Paraffin Baths  Heating pads  Fluidotherapy  Analgesic Balms Biofreeze Biofreeze Bengay Bengay

QUESTIONS / COMMENTS?