Cold Therapy & Moist Heat
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About Cold Therapy & Moist Heat
- PTs use both cryotherapy (cold therapy) and thermotherapy (heat therapy) to treat musculoskeletal pain and swelling.
- Both heat and ice helped prevent muscle damage, but cold used immediately after intense exercise was more effective at preventing muscle soreness.
- Everyone should keep a good quality ice pack in their freezer. You’re probably familiar with the RICE technique²: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. It’s the best treatment for sprains and strains.
- Ice works by reducing blood flow to the injured area. This reduces inflammation in the aftermath of an injury and can cut down on swelling in the long term. Ice also provides a temporary numbing effect, providing much-needed pain relief.
