Overview
When experiencing pain or discomfort, people will turn to different solutions for relief. Often, people will supplement their physical therapy and pharmacological management with ice and heat. This is for good reason, as evidence has shown that these modalities can help to reduce pain. But what do they do and how should they be used?
Heat
When properly applied to the body, heat can have several effects. As the temperature of the tissues rises, blood flow is increased. This may help to facilitate the recovery process as more nutrients and oxygen become available at the site of injury. Additionally, the elasticity of connective tissue increases. For this reason, applying heat to tight muscles can help to provide some relief. Heat has also been shown to improve symptoms of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) and reduce pain in general.
Cold
Cryotherapy, the use of cold packs or ice, has different effects on the body. It can help reduce inflammation and edema. This is why ice, in addition to elevation and compression, is often used to help control swelling. The decrease in temperature can also temporarily alter neurotransmission which can allow for short term relief from pain and muscle spasms.
How Should Heat and Ice Be Used?
While these modalities have shown some benefit for various injuries, they are often not enough to promote adequate recovery on their own. Evidence shows that heat and ice should be used in conjunction with another primary treatment method. For example, if you experience a sprain, ice may be beneficial in addition to physical therapy to control swelling and pain while undergoing the rehabilitation process. When using heat and cold, it is important to monitor the skin to ensure no irritation or damage occurs. This is best prevented by applying several layers of fabric between the hot/cold pack and the skin.
If you are experiencing pain and are having trouble finding relief, physical therapy can help. Physical therapists can construct a personalized plan of exercises, stretches, manual techniques and modalities to reduce your pain and improve your quality of life. Call Respire Physical therapy at 703-671-1871or click here to schedule an appointment with one of our Physical Therapists today. 
Tags: Natural Pain Relief, choosept, arlingtonva, alexandriava, fallschurchva, ptworks, Physical Therapy, chronic pain relief, Respire Physical Therapy, pain free living, physical therapist, movementfreedom
