All Posts tagged ice

Ice: The over used modality

‘R.I.C.E.’ Coined in 1978

‘R.I.C.E.’ (rest, ice, compression, elevation) was coined in 1978 by Dr. Gabe Mirkin. Since then, ice has been the standard treatment for injuries and sore muscles. The RICE guidelines have been used for decades, but it now appears that ice and rest may delay healing.

Scientific Articles Don’t Support Ice for Healing

Image of Ice glistening as it melts.

A study from The American Journal of Sports Medicine, June 2013 asked athletes to exercise intensely enough to develop muscle damage that caused extensive muscle soreness. It was found that icing delayed swelling, but did not quicken the healing process.  A summary of 22 scientific articles found little to no evidence supporting that ice and compression facilitate healing over compression alone.

Inflammation

Inflammation is required for healing. Inflammation is a part of our immune system and is essential in the healing process. Inflammatory cells migrate to the injured tissue to start the healing process. Macrophages (inflammatory cells) release a hormone into injured tissues, which helps muscles and other injured tissues heal.  Applying ice to reduce swelling can delay healing by preventing the body from releasing this hormone.

Icing can also prevent healing cells from entering the injured tissues by constricting blood-flow.  It can take hours for the blood vessels to return to their size. Icing can also decrease strength, speed, endurance and coordination.

General Tips for Using Ice

If you’re going to ice, only apply ice for 10-15 minutes at a time.  Utilize ice for the first day of injury.  Seek medical attention from a mechanical physical therapist if the pain is severe or you cannot actively move a body part.

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RinardPT Monthly – May 2014

Nick Rinard Physical Therapy in Portland Oregon Logo White

RinardPT Monthly

Nick Rinard Physical Therapy
9700 SW Capitol Hwy Suite 140
Portland, OR 97219

Volume 6, Issue 3
April 2014

SW Portland Open House

Should you be resting?

ICE or HEAT?

Should you be ‘working through’ the pain?

Is the source of your pain serious?

Ask an experienced MDT Physical Therapist at Nick Rinard PT! With a 15 minute Free Consultation, we can often find the cause of your pain and give you advice to help treat your symptoms.

Xray highlighting region of severe back pain

Join us for a special Open House and ask about your pain “while you’re here.” Light refreshments will be offered, and appointments are encouraged though WALK-INS are always welcome!

Tuesday, June 17th – 5:00pm-8:00pm

Call 503-244-6232

for your Evaluation or Free Consultation

RinardPT patients get Results:

Don’t take our word for it

“I came into Nick Rinard PT because of a car accident in December that I sustained a neck injury in. I had very limited neck motion, & had pain when I tried to move my neck. I had severe pain when sitting for long periods of time, trouble driving, and doing other everyday activities. I also had random headaches every day that kept me from doing normal tasks. Now I feel much better. My headaches have almost gone away, I have my range of motion back, and I am not in pain anymore.”-Lauren 04/28/2014 “I was referred for treatment after PT elsewhere was not improving my symptoms for a post-operative L5-S.1 discectomy/laminectomy. Once starting treatment at Nick Rinard PT I knew it was the right fit. After my 1st visit I had increased symptoms and called that evening. I was immediately helped over the phone and scheduled to return the next day. From then on, it was steady improvement with detailed explanation of exercises and physiology. I’m beyond grateful for the care and staff at Nick Rinard PT.”-Shelley 04/17/2014

 

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In just 5-10 minutes, MDT can determine if your pain is mechanical or not. If so, we can help get you out of pain and back to enjoying your life.

 

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Mobilization with Movement with Grip
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