Hot or cold treatment?

Until recent years warmth was thought to be the magic cure for most things. Have a warm cup of tea, put a warm towel on an injury ........ Today we have the knowledge that for sports injuries 'cold' is the correct treatment.

Why?

When an injury happens, torn tissue releases fluid and this causes the swelling. By applying ice, as well as relieving pain, the cold reduces the fluid and blood and controls the swelling. Heat will stimulate blood flow and swelling will be worse. You can see the fluid and blood trapped beneath the skin which we know as a bruise.

Tip

When applying ice, whether ice cubes or frozen peas, place a thin towel between ice and skin to prevent ice burn or sometimes the skin can peel off with the ice.

Ice can be applied every 2 hours for the first two days after injury. For more information on immediate help after injury see RICE Treatment.