Download Treatment Rationale: Ice vs Heat

Treatment Rationale
Sports Medicine I
Treatment Rationale: Ice vs Heat
Selection of ice or
heat application is
critical
 Ice should be used for
first 48-72 hrs
 If pain and swelling
are still present,
continue to us ice

Application of ICE

Physiological Changes
– Reduced swelling and inflammation
– Reduced blood flow to the injury site
– Reduced pain at the injury site
Cryotherapy (cold therapy)

Cold Packs
– 10-15 min
– Keeping ice on too
long can cause
burning of the skin
Cryotherapy

Ice Massage
– Rubbing ice over
injured area
– 5-10 min
– Avoid bony areas
– Move ice in a
continuous circular
motion
Cryotherapy

Cold Whirlpool/Immersion
– 50-65 degrees
– 5-15 minutes
– Thermal barriers can be
used
– Disadvantage: injured part
is in a non-elevated position
– Offers a massaging effect
Cryotherapy
Cold Spray (ethyl chloride)
 Apply no longer than 10
seconds
 Not as effective as cold
treatments
 Only cools skin surface

Application of Heat

Physiological Effects
– Increased blood flow
to the injured site
– Reduced muscle
stiffness
– Muscular relaxation
Hot Packs
Apply moist heat
 Towels protect from
burning
 Heat penetration is
limited

Hot Whirlpool
Temp 95-104
 Massaging effects
 Later stages of
healing

Contrast Bath
Combines hot and
cold
 Increased amount of
swelling responds to
the alternation
 Provides pumping
action to remove
swelling

Exercise
Overlooked as
treatment
 Increases circulation
at deeper level
 Increases strength
 Regain ROM

Additional Modalities
Ultrasound
 Electrical Stimulating Currents
 Shortwave
 Diathermy
 Ultraviolet Therapy
 Laser
 Massage
 Joint Mobilizations

Acute vs Chronic



Acute
Quick, onset, short
duration
Basic initial treatment is
PRICES
–
–
–
–
–
–
Protection
Rest
Ice
Compression
Elevation
Support

Chronic
– Recurring injuries that
respond little to treatment
– Characterized by
continuous use of PRICES
– Injuries can be challenging
– Mix of exercise, heat, and
contrast bath
– Return to play w/o chronic
pain and disability is
important