Ice vs. HeatIce vs. Heat

Mrs. Marr

Topics of DiscussionTopics of Discussion

Ice vs. Heat TherapyIce vs. Heat Therapy

(Cryo vs. Thermo)(Cryo vs. Thermo)

TerminologyTerminology Acute Injury Acute Injury

–Characterized by rapid onset and resulting from Characterized by rapid onset and resulting from a traumatic event.a traumatic event.

Chronic Injury Chronic Injury –Characterized by slow onset, implying gradual Characterized by slow onset, implying gradual development of structural damage.development of structural damage.

InflammationInflammation–Heat, redness, swelling, and pain that Heat, redness, swelling, and pain that accompany injuries; occurs when tissue is accompany injuries; occurs when tissue is crushed, torn, or stretched.crushed, torn, or stretched.

CryotherapyCryotherapy ThermotherapyThermotherapy P.R.I.C.EP.R.I.C.E

Injury ClassificationInjury ClassificationInjuriesInjuries are classified 2 ways:are classified 2 ways:

Acute or ChronicAcute or Chronic1. 1. AcuteAcute

a. Occurring suddenlya. Occurring suddenlyb. First time injuryb. First time injury

1. Sprains1. SprainsStretching or tearing of ligamentsStretching or tearing of ligaments

2. Strains 2. Strains Stretching/ tearing of muscles or Stretching/ tearing of muscles or

tendonstendons

Injury ClassificationInjury Classification2. 2. ChronicChronic

a. Prolonged or gradually a. Prolonged or gradually occurringoccurring

b. Occurring repeatedlyb. Occurring repeatedly1. Tendon1. Tendonitisitis2. Faci2. Faciitisitis

ICE vs. ICE vs. HEATHEAT

What is the What is the best best

choice?choice?

ICE (CRYOTHERAPY)ICE (CRYOTHERAPY)

IndicationsIndications

1. Acute Sprains1. Acute Sprains

2. Acute Strains2. Acute Strains

3. Contusions3. Contusions

aka “Bruising”aka “Bruising”

4. Muscle Spasms4. Muscle Spasms

ICE (CRYOTHERAPY)ICE (CRYOTHERAPY)

Length of TreatmentLength of Treatment–Apply to injured area for 20-30 Apply to injured area for 20-30

minutesminutes

–Wait approximately 60-90 minutes Wait approximately 60-90 minutes between applicationsbetween applications

–Use ice for the first 48-72 hours after Use ice for the first 48-72 hours after an acute injuryan acute injury

Ways to Apply IceWays to Apply IceCryotherapy ApplicationCryotherapy Application

1. Ice Pack1. Ice Pack2. Ice Massage2. Ice Massage3. Chemical Cold Packs3. Chemical Cold Packs4. Flexible Gel Cold packs4. Flexible Gel Cold packs5. Cold Water immersion5. Cold Water immersion6. Vapocoolant Sprays6. Vapocoolant Sprays

P.R.I.C.E. :P.R.I.C.E. : PProtectionrotectionRRestestIIceceCCompressionompressionEElevationlevation

HEAT HEAT (THERMOTHERAPY)(THERMOTHERAPY)

Heat has the opposite Heat has the opposite effect of Iceeffect of Ice

HEAT HEAT (THERMOTHERAPY)(THERMOTHERAPY)

A safe guideline for the progression to A safe guideline for the progression to Heat Heat is to is to avoid until the swelling has ceased.avoid until the swelling has ceased.

– This should be approximately 72 hours post acute This should be approximately 72 hours post acute injury.injury.

– The injured area should have a pain free range of The injured area should have a pain free range of motionmotion

– The area should not be acutely painful.The area should not be acutely painful.– The injured area should have no signs of heat or The injured area should have no signs of heat or

swelling.swelling.

HEAT HEAT (THERMOTHERAPY)(THERMOTHERAPY)

If any of these signs or symptoms are If any of these signs or symptoms are still present still present DO NOT STARTDO NOT START heat as heat as a treatment.a treatment.

Indications for ThermotherapyIndications for Thermotherapy

INDICATIONINDICATION

1. Chronic Sprains1. Chronic Sprains

2. Chronic Strains2. Chronic Strains

3. Chronic Tendonitis3. Chronic Tendonitis

4. Loosen tight muscles4. Loosen tight muscles

5. Improving circulation5. Improving circulation

Ways to Apply HeatWays to Apply HeatMethods of Heat ApplicationMethods of Heat Application

Whirlpool BathWhirlpool Bath Hydrocollator PacksHydrocollator Packs Paraffin BathsParaffin Baths Heating padsHeating pads FluidotherapyFluidotherapy Analgesic BalmsAnalgesic Balms

BiofreezeBiofreeze BengayBengay

QUESTIONS / COMMENTS?QUESTIONS / COMMENTS?