Cold and Heat Therapy: When to Use Ice, When to Use Heat | SELF HEALTH + HEALING | Scoop.it
From fitness.mercola.com - October 27, 2015 9:57 PM
Ice works for injuries because it narrows your blood vessels, while heat helps to soothe ongoing muscle aches and pains.

 

Applying ice or heat can provide relief from injuries, aches, and pains, but they shouldn't be used interchangeably. Generally speaking, ice works well after a sudden injury while heat helps to soothe ongoing muscle aches and pains.

 

Ice works for injuries because it narrows your blood vessels, which helps prevent blood from accumulating at the site of injury, which will add to inflammation and swelling while delaying healing. This is also why elevation is helpful, since it  limits blood flow to the area to minimize swelling.1

 

A good rule of thumb to remember following an injury is RICE: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. You should generally ice the area for 48 to 72 hours to reduce secondary tissue damage and ease pain.