determine whether ice or heat treatment is appropriate for an injury. Whilst heat often provides immediate comfort and relief Pau Gasol Jersey , it may actually be causing more harm than good. Likewise, incorrect use of ice may also prolong injury recovery. If used correctly, however, appropriate ice and heat treatment can help to reduce bleeding, inflammation Patty Mills Jersey , swelling, muscle spasm and pain following injury. They can also accelerate healing and hasten injury recovery.
How is ice treatment beneficial?
Ice treatment helps to reduce blood flow to the affected region. This is beneficial in the inflammatory phase of an injury (the first 72 hours following injury or injury aggravation) as it helps to reduce the amount of inflammation and swelling that accumulates in the injured region. Ice treatment may also help to reduce bleeding, pain and muscle spasm.
Further measures to reduce blood flow to the affected region are also indicated in the first 72 hours following injury and should comprise: Rest from aggravating activities, elevation of the injured part above the level of your heart and the use of a compression bandage.
(N.B. If on applying a compression bandage you experience pins and needles, numbness or ANY colour change in your foot Nikola Milutinov Jersey , the bandage is too tight and is cutting off your circulation. It must therefore be loosened or taken off completely. Remove your compression bandage for sleeping).
Anti-inflammatory medication may also be beneficial in this initial phase and should be directed by your pharmacist.