When should you use heat on injuries? This is a common question we receive over the phone and in-person from patients who have chosen us as their chiropractor for any pain management needs. Although it seems like a pretty cut and dry topic, it is slightly more complicated than the general public may think. Over the past decade, our team members have answered this question thousands of times and our answer is never exactly the same because it is very subjective to the individual asking the question. If you would like to understand when you should use heat versus when you should not use heat on an injury give us a call at 330-491-0381 or visit our website at www.yourartdoc.com.
Before you think about applying heat to an injury or area that is bothering you, you should first ask yourself a couple of questions. The first question you should ask yourself is whether or not the area is tender to the touch or not. If the area is tender to the touch and the pain increases significantly when palpating the area, then it is possible that the area is still filled with inflammation. In this instance, it would be wise to not place heat on the area because placing heat on an area that is highly inflamed can be detrimental. In fact, it would be similar to throwing gasoline on a fire. The goal is simply to decrease inflammation not add more. The next question one should ask themselves when deciding when to use heat is, is the area hot to the touch? If the area is hot to the touch that is another sign that the area is filled with inflammation. In this case, it would also be wise to not place heat on the given area.
Another question one should ask before placing heat on an ache, pain, or injury, is it or old injury? If it is a new injury, chances are it is still going through the inflammation stages. For example, if you sprained your ankle on a run you would not put heat on your ankle for several days or even up to a week afterward. It is very integral to the healing process that the individual does not apply heat to a new injury. However, if it is an old injury, it is not tender to the touch, and it is not hot to the touch, then it is very likely that heat can be applied to the area of choice. Applying heat to an area that is not inflamed actually promotes healing within the tissue and allows you to have more mobility and range of motion in a given joint.
If you do not have a heat pack at home another way you can apply heat is by taking an Epsom salt bath. This type of heat will allow more blood flow to travel to the injured area and promote healing. It is a very cost-effective and beneficial approach. If you have more questions in regards to this issue and have not had luck with other chiropractors from google after searching for someone who specializes in pain management, kindly contact our office.
As the top chiropractor for pain management in the Canton, Ohio area we pride ourselves in educating patients on topics like, when should you use heat. It’s our willingness to help and educate patients on what to do and not to do that sets us apart from other chiropractors in the area. We would love for you to book an appointment with us so that you can be part of the best patient experience in all of Ohio. You can book an appointment with us either by phone at 330-491-0381 or on our website at www.yourartdoc.com.