Re: [c_p]info ice or heat

[Guest guest]

> Desert Fire wrote:

> My doctors say ice for pain, heat for comfort.

All,

Ice causes constriction, heat causes increase in the blood flow which in turn

increases the oxygen supply to the blood .

From an article I saved saying it better than me.

~ Ice -vs- Heat For Injuries ~

The application of ice or heat on an aching muscle depends on the stage of the

injury. All muscle pain is not created equal. Ice is best used on acute injuries

that have just occurred (up to 48 hours). Heat works well on chronic injuries

that are reoccurring and on injuries that are in the maturation stage (when

mobility and strength is the focus).

Ice decreases pain directly, reduces swelling and inflammation, and perhaps most

importantly, decreases metabolism of the cells so they don't need more oxygen

than is available. The result is less damaged tissue and a smaller area to be

repaired. Also, there is less swelling and repair can therefore begin sooner. In

order to benefit from ice you must use it correctly. Avoid putting ice directly

on the skin, first wrap the ice or ice pack in a heavy towel or plastic bag then

apply. Chill the injured area for 6 to 20 minutes, or until it gets numb (icing

for more than 20 minutes may damage skin and nerves). Ice is contraindicated for

someone with circulatory insufficiencies, Raynaud's Disease, or cold allergies.

Heat decreases muscle spasms directly, which reduces pain. It also increases

circulation of blood, which brings new oxygen to injured areas and increases

metabolism and vasodilation, all of which help in the healing process. To be

used properly, heat should be applied to the aching muscles for 5 to 20 minutes.

Moist heat is recommended over dry heat. Do not overheat, or leave on for

extended periods, as burning of tissue may occur. Heat is contraindicated for

fevers, infections, acute inflammatory conditions, cardiac/circulatory

insufficiencies, and malignancies.

Ice and heat can also be used alternately to act as a pump for faster healing.

Inflammation is reduced, then new oxygen is brought back in to heal. This is

most effective for sub acute injuries, (after the first 48 hours). Begin by

icing for 20 minutes, follow with 5 to 7 minutes of heat, and end with 20 more

minutes of ice. Then gently move and stretch the injured area. Repeat hourly, if

possible, or at least three times a day.

My Doctor got upset at me as I live on heat as it makes me feel better and she

banned me from heating pad but told me to use those gel pads you can warm in

microwave and freeze as says as I buy the bigger ones that are sold

like seats for sports functions.

A previous pain doctor I went to had three compounded pain creams he used that

one used crushed up neurotin, one used crushed motrin in it, and another was the

nerve one that had something like valium (I wish I could remember them but they

were compounded at homepathic pharmacy) and he prescribed Lidocaine patches, and

capascian ? He also gave Ketamine by IV, one member wrote about this, please

share. Bennie