Heat use in sports injuries

heat use in sports injuries

The days of applying heat to injuries is now long gone. Heat encourages blood to the skins surface where you apply the heat and increases bleeding and fluid to the damaged area and will increase swelling. Ice is now recognised as the best form of treatment for sudden injuries. Apply ice as soon as possible after injury and this should be continued through the recovery period every two to three hours until swelling goes down. The ice will also help to relieve pain.

Heat in sport can be used after the injury is healed for relieving muscle tension, but as all injuries are different, it is better to seek medical advice.