Ice Vs. Heat

Ice Vs. Heat

Leg Pain

Hope everyone is having another awesome week! School is back, and Summer is coming to an end. Let's get the fall started off with good healthy routines!

Quote of the week:

The secret of getting ahead is getting started.

- Mark Twain


THE GREAT DEBATE OF ICE VS. HEAT IN ST JOHNS FL

There is lots of confusion on this, so I hope to clarify. Top St Johns chiropractor Colby Caltrider explains how ice and heat can be excellent and cheap therapeutic options


ICE

Ice is generally for fresh/new injuries. If you have been in an auto collision, sports injury, or this is a new problem go with ICE! Ice helps calm down the area, and decrease acute inflammation. Icing is going to help numb the pain, and decrease swelling. Inflammation is your bodies natural response but is often kicked in overdrive. Inflamed, red, hot, swollen injuries respond best to ICE. Think of ice as a mild, no side effect anti-inflammatory.

Take Away- Use ice for fresh injuries within the first 3 days.

How to ice? Medical grade ice pack, these are affordable and we carry them in the office. Always wrap the ice pack in a pillowcase or T-shirt to avoid burns. Ice for 15-20 minutes. Let your skin rest for 40 minutes before another round of icing

In the office, we use Chattanooga medical for the highest quality cold therapy.


HEAT

Heat is excellent for Chronic pain, stress, muscle injuries, trigger points and helps improve mobility

Heat feels great and is very relaxing. If you have a condition more than 3 weeks heat is generally the best option. It's going to increase blood flow, and improve mobility.

Chronic pain in St Johns like neck, back, and joint pain often involves stress, anxiety, and trigger points. Heat helps calm your nervous system, body, and mind so you can properly heal

How should I use heat? Always wrap the heat pack in a pillowcase or T-shirt to avoid burns. Heat for 15-20 minutes. Let your skin rest for 40 minutes before another round of heat. Also, hot tubs and hot showers can be excellent use the same guidelines Heat for 15-20 minutes. Let your skin rest for 40 minutes before another round of heat.

In the office at Back in Motion, Injury and Wellness Center, Dr. Caltrider uses a special German heating pack. It contains a substance known as "Black Gold" designed in Germany to be the most comfortable and deepest penetrating heat. Experience the difference.


TAKE AWAY ICE VS. HEAT

Important - Listen to your BODY. If your shivering, do not use ice; if your sweating, do not use heat. You don't wanna stress your body out more than it is. Also if you heat an acute injury you can make it worse.

Both icing and heating are designed to give you relief and make you more comfortable. Some patients of mine LOVE heat or LOVE Ice. Listen to what your body tells you. Follow this general rule, but always listen to your body.


CONTRASTING THERAPY?

Alternating ice and heat can be effective to stimulate recover due to the vaso-dilation and vaso-constricting. This is called contrasting therapy Ice 5 minutes Heat 10 minutes ice 5 minutes THEN rest/ Stretch 40 minutes.

If you have questions we are happy to help. Email admin@backinmotionstjohns.com.

Spinal hygiene is essential for longevity. Muscular imbalances and joint dysfunction lead to early-onset arthritis. This makes you vulnerable for injuries, and chronic conditions. Stay active and in motion with this Health advice.

Important - If these stretches/therapies are causing pain, contact a qualified physican (like Dr. Caltrider) for further evaluation.

OFFICE HOURS


Monday
10:00am - 1:00pm
3:00pm - 7:00pm


Tuesday
10:00am - 1:00pm
3:00pm - 7:00pm


Wednesday
Closed


Thursday
10:00am - 1:00pm
3:00pm - 7:00pm


Friday
10:00am - 2:00pm

Back in Motion, Injury and Wellness Center
309 Kingsley Lake Drive Suite 901
St. Augustine, FL 32092
(904) 999-8343