Most of my clients know that 9.5 times out of ten, I will tell you to ice instead of apply heat. Why?
Ice reduces inflammation, swelling and pain.
Ice should be used right after an injury OR after an activity that may inflame a chronic injury/pain. This is why it is great for acute sprains and strains but also for over use injuries, and chronic pain in athletes. Or even after getting a deep tissue massage that might flare up some issues!
These are not boxing gloves I’m wearing here… these are my ice mittens that I use after a day of massaging. I abuse my hands every day but icing them helps prevent injuries and keep inflammation down so I’ll ready for the next day of working out your aches and pains!
Heat definitely has its place but when in doubt between ice and heat…. ice, ice baby!
Elaine Lewis, LMT 