I am asked on a daily basis by my clients if they should use ice or heat on their injuries. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is believed that heat is the best and that cold can introduce external pathogenic factors to the body that can cause more issues than do good. The RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) approach is excellent for injuries that have happened acutely and within the first 24-72 hours to keep swelling and further tissue damage contained as much as possible. But after that, improved circulation to the site of injury is what your immune system and body wants in order to help the healing process. I found a fantastic link from the Cleveland Clinic on this concept so please feel free to read it and remember, heat is good!
Marlborough Wellness Center, Marlborough, MA
Acupuncture, Massage and other modalities in Marlborough MA