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!
 
If you enjoyed this newsletter and others then forward this link to
a family member or friend to sign up too.
 Click HERE or paste in browser:  
http://www.drweisz.com/newsletterPopup.php


We love hearing your feedback so please feel free to e-mail us.
Thank you!


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

 



