October 22, 2007 - Bring on the heat!
The changing of seasons really makes Chicago a great place to live. The different colors of the trees, the cooler air and the Indian summers are great reminders of the coming fall season. Ahh!
More thoughts on ICE
Last month we talked about identifying potential injuries and what to do about them using the acronym P.R.I.C.E. that refers to protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation. When using ice to help heal the injured body part there is another acronym to remember, it is C.B.A.N. It stands for Cool, Burning, Achy, and Numbness this refers to the different sensations one feels and the different physiologic changes the body is going through while applying ice. When the numbness stage is felt which is typically 5-10 minutes (whichever comes first) the ice application should be terminated.
WHEN TO BRING ON THE HEAT!
Using heat to help heal an injury is a wonderful modality but when to use it is very important, applying it too early in the healing process can actually slow your healing and make it worse. If you are unsure about when to use heat ask your health care provider or Alliance Chiropractic Health Center whether itŐs time to bring on the heat.
During the immediate (acute) inflammation stage of healing, vessels dilate and blood is drawn to the injured site producing a pooling of fluid or swelling. When this swelling goes out of control the healing process is slowed and the pain intensifies. The use of heat at this stage would prolong the inflammatory stage leading to a longer healing time, which means a longer time to go back to your sport or activity. Ouch!
Heat therapy is a great modality to use on an old injury, which is anything greater than 72 hrs or 1 week. The favorable affects of heat are: dilating circulatory vessels, increase blood flow, local pain relief, decrease muscle spasms, and a calming effect. The typical treatment time for the application of heat is 15-20 minutes anything longer than that has the potential for tissue damage.
Now, the type of heat varies from an electrical heating pad to a hot water bottle to the microwaveable pillows stuffed with husks. When applying heat always use at least one towel layer between you and the heat source so as not to burn you. NEVER fall asleep with the heat source on you especially when using an electrical heating pad, it can burn you.
TO RECAP
- Heat after 72 hrs to 1 week after injury
- Apply heat no longer than 15-20 minutes
- At least 1 towel layer between you and the heat source
- DO NOT sleep with heat on
Yours in Health,
Dr. Bernadine Reyes
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