Ice vs. Heat Therapy: When to Use Which

The use of ice and heat as medical therapy dates to ancient times, easy-to-apply treatments for the management of everything from inflammation to stiffness. They’re today’s go-to remedies for minor injuries and workout recovery, and a recent survey found they’re also American’s most-used relief option for chronic pain. But how do they work? Are you using them appropriately? And are some of the old ways of thinking about them out of fashion? In this episode, we explore all you need to know before you pull out that soft heating pad or chilly ice pack. Expert: Dr. Megan Arthur, Primary Care Sports Medicine Physician Interviewer: Todd Ackerman Notable topics covered: To ice or to heat: slowing blood flow vs. promoting it Do some people just respond to one better than the other? They’re not just for sports injuries: ice and heat for other conditions Polar plunges: Do they provide any benefits in healthy people? Contrast therapy: The benefits of alternating cold and heat Is RICE being replaced by a more holistic approach? The best ways to intervene with ice and heat How long and how often should you apply ice or heat? If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.