FOR PAIN RELIEF - HOT OR COLD?

This is one of the most common questions that people ask me. Here are some guidelines:

Use COLD for inflammation or a new injury to "cool down" the pain by numbing nerves and shrinking blood vessels. You can use cold packs, ice in a plastic bag, or even a bag of frozen vegetables, wrapped in a towel to prevent frostbite.

Use HEAT for chronic pain and stiffness without swelling to increase blood flow and promote flexibility. Moist heat (warm shower, hot water bottle, washcloth soaked in warm water) may be somewhat more effective than dry heat (electric or microwave heating pad, chemical heat wrap). NEVER go to sleep while using an electric heating pad and check your skin frequently when using heat to prevent burns.

Both heat and cold can be applied for 15-20 minutes, 3 times a day. Sometimes it works best to alternate them. The treatment that gives the greatest relief is best for you. Seek medical attention if an injury causes numbness, loss of ability to move muscles, or pain, swelling, and/or discoloration that persists or gets worse after 3 days.
Sources: National Association of Sports Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Arthritis and Health Resource Center


IT'S TIME TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH YOUR BODY -- CALL 617-738-8222 TO SCHEDULE YOUR THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE TODAY !