Both ice and heat can be beneficial when applied properly. Using ice or heat is a cheap and effective way to help in the recovery process. However, it’s important to understand they are used for different purposes. Depending on the condition or situation, one can provide a greater benefit over the other.
Using heat or ice as a form of treatment is easy, inexpensive, and can be very effective if done correctly. These forms of therapy, more or less, can help control blood flow. Generally speaking, ice is used to constrict blood vessels with a goal of decreasing inflammation, while heat will increase blood flow and ultimately bring more oxygen to tissues. Although there are many specific conditions that may require one versus the other, the timing of when each are applied is important.
