Why do we recommend to ice?

Most people, when they come to see us, we tend to advise them icing the area that is causing them pain. However often when growing up we are told to apply heat or have a hot bath - so why ice?

When we have pain - we have inflammation. Inflammation is present in acute and chronic pain. In acute pain cases there tends to be high levels of inflammation (like a sprained ankle) which is why there is often also associated redness, heat and swelling. What do you do on a twisted ankle? You ice it!

This inflammation is still present in chronic pain, albeit, just in smaller amounts - but the process is the same. Heat provides temporary relief due to relaxing the surrounding muscles, but ice ultimately will be what helps with inflammation, and therefore pain.

As a guide we recommend icing a painful area for 10-20mins three times a day. Ice packs wrapped in a damp tea towel saves you from getting a cold burn but can still be easily wrapped around the area.

If you find heat does provide you relief, then we recommend applying a heat pack for 10 minutes then an ice pack immediately after for another 10 minutes.

If you need any help from us or further advice - then give us a call on 01202 604707 or email admin@wimbornewellnesscentre.co.uk.