Chiropractical Solutions & Massage

Home Remedy Series:

Home Remedy #3: Cut Your Healing Time In Half
Welcome back to another issue of the Home Remedy Series!
"You Could Cut Your Healing Time In Half By Applying Ice and
Receiving Chiropractic Care Immediately After an Injury!"
It is time to answer that age old question I hear:
"Should I use an ice pack or heating pad right after an injury or accident?"
My most common answer is: When in doubt . . . USE ICE!
Here's why ice should be used immediately after an injury:
It will have an immediate pain relieving effect as well as decrease inflammation. The inflammation that builds up activates more pain receptors so if you can decrease the inital stages of inflammation then your body will not be in as much pain and can also heal faster. Use Ice within a few days of an acute injury. There are exceptions that apply so it is always best to consult with a health care professional for any specific questions after an injury.
For more chronic or long standing aches and pains moist heat (Ex: hot shower) can work very well. Moist heat in chronic tightness or aches can bring much needed circulation and relaxation to surrounding muscles and joints. Moist heat helps relax the body and is better than using a heating pad that you plug in which is more of a dry heat. Examples of moist heat that you can use at home is letting the shower hit that area for an extra 10-15 minutes and microwaving a moist wash rag and placing it on the area (make sure it is not too hot that it would burn you).
In an acute injury heat may slow down the healing process by increasing tissue or nerve
swelling and should be avoided.
General Rule:
Acute Injury : USE ICE
Chronic Injury: USE MOIST HEAT
Everyone reacts differently to ice and heat so it is best to consult with a professional if you have questions and know what works best for your body.
Think about this: If you just had an acute ankle sprain and you immediately put it into a bucket of hot water. . . your ankle would swell like a balloon! The heat feels great while it's on, but an hour later the painful area is swollen!
Ok, here's what works best for most of my patients and friends for an Acute injury. . .
1) Ice the area of pain for 15 minutes on, and 15 minutes off for 2 hours.
2) After the first 2 hours, ice should be uses as often as possible during the next 72 hours.
3) Only apply the ice for 15 minutes or less at a time. When you apply ice longer than 15
minutes, your body treats it like frostbite. Your brain (thinking there is frost-bite happening) sends
fluids to the painful area, which may result in tissue or nerve swelling.
Your body heals best when you are sleeping. So, always apply ice before bed. Many
times the ice will numb the area of pain enough for you to get some sleep and allow healing.
Using ice at home, along with chiropractic treatment should speed your healing
time dramatically!
I'll see you next time with another simple home remedy!
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- yours in health,
  Dr. Weisz, D.C.

  Chiropractical Solutions & Massage

  Click here: http://www.drweisz.com
  Call: 773 - 598 - 5851
  Address: 1720 W. Belmont Ave
  (west of Belmont/Paulina intersection)
  E-mail: drweisz@drweisz.com with any questions

  The best way to maintain health:
  * eat well
  *exercise
  *get regular Chiropractic adjustments for a healthy nervous system
  *Massages to maintain a healthy muscular system