Learn when an ice pack should be used and when a hot water bottle would be better, being aware of the difference between them and what advantage ice has when placed on the affected area.
If the athlete experiences slight trauma due to falls or blows, an ice pack or hot water compress should be applied in order to ease pain and tension. Each one is for a highly targeted group of tensions or traumas, so it is crucial to recognize the differences between the two and the positive effects each has on the athlete.
It should be noted that, in case of repeated trauma, pain or swelling following the use of seven days a day, it is necessary to see a specialist physician.
Another vital tip is time since applying it to the skin enhances sensitivity and leads to burns in both cases. Also, do not apply any compress to open wounds.
That said, check out some information about this technique below.
What does ice do for inflammation?
Basically, it helps reduce blood flow to the area where it is applied, helping to reduce swelling in the injury.
The ice pack also has analgesic benefits that begin after five minutes of continuous use. In fact, ice can be used up to 48 hours after the incident.
Furthermore, it causes the hematoma or edema caused to decrease considerably, as well as causing the pain of the injury to be reduced quickly.
It is recommended to use an ice pack when:
- is vaccinated;
- have a toothache;
- suffer blows;
- there are twists;
- knee pain ;
- traumas; and
- falls.
How to make an ice pack?
The optimum would be to utilize an ice pack, which would be rubberized and can either be filled with ice cubes or, in the majority of applications, utilize a thermal gel pack that can be frozen for application or heated in a microwave to create hot compresses.
Irrespective of the bag that you use to do the procedure, neither should they be pressed against the skin because this leaves the area sensitive, red and irritated. Ice can also cause a burn on the skin, so caution must be exercised when using it.
In order to avoid burns, it is advisable to wrap the ice pack around a towel and only after that place it on the injured area.
Keep the bag pressed against the area for about 15 minutes, depending on how badly injured you are.
In less severe situations, the cold compress should not be more than 10 minutes.
Edema or swelling symptoms ought to resolve in about seven days, provided the process is conducted within the recommended time and daily level of pressure.
If there is no significant improvement, consult a specialist for more detailed examinations and remember that incorrect use of the ice pack can aggravate the injury.
When to use ice packs or hot water?
Hot water works as a muscle relaxant, which is why it is recommended for sprains, back pain and injuries caused by excessive physical exercise.
When pressure is exerted by the hot water bottle on the tight spot, it works in a direction opposite that of ice: the warmth from the hot water expands the blood vessel, enabling blood to run in greater quantity to the affected area. It thus ends up constricting the inflammatory flow caused, and this creates the sensation of calmness and relieving tension.
In addition to improving muscle pain and tension, it also helps reduce menstrual cramps.
In short, ice reduces blood flow while a hot water bottle increases it. For this reason, it is common for physiotherapists to recommend combining the two forms of compression in the same treatment.
Combined therapy is known as contrast and serves precisely to contract and dilate blood flow, allowing greater blood circulation in the affected area.
Therefore, check out below what each type of compress is used for for injuries in a more summarized way.
Ice compress
Ideal for toothache, falls, trauma, reducing swelling, bruising and treating discomfort after vaccination.
Compress alternating ice and hot water
Alternating hot and cold water bottles treats infections, inflammation, headaches and muscle aches due to nervousness or muscle pain.
Lastly, never use a hot compress on bruised or acute trauma areas within 72 hours of the incident because it tends to increase swelling, pain and bruising.
