When it comes to injuries or pain what modality is appropriate?
You can never go wrong with ice. Ice has more forgivance when compared to using heat. Ice work to reduce inflammation by causing vasoconstriction. Ice also inhibits pain. Heat on the other hand has added benefits and one side effect. Heat reduces inflammation by causing vasodilation which causes the area to be flushed out. It inhibits pain and even causes muscle relaxation. The problem with heat is that if you use it longer than 20 minutes it will cause swelling.

So general rule, heat and ice both do the same things. Heat has extra benefits of muscle relaxation. But do not use it longer than 20 minutes.

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