Is Ice Really Nice for Inflammation?

It’s an almost automatic response. Whether we strain a joint, or we have an ingrown toe nail, once the inflammation sets in, we put ice on it to keep the swelling down and ease the pain.

But using ice to reduce the pain and discomfort of inflammation can work against your body’s natural healing process.

Exactly What is Inflammation?

Aside from the outward signs of pain, redness and swelling, inflammation is part of your body’s immune response. When tissue or ligaments are damaged, like when you sprain a knee or a scratch your skin, your body immediately kicks into protection and healing mode to repair the injured area. The symptoms you experience result from the war your body wages against the injury:

• Redness and Heat are due to increased blood flow that brings nutrients and oxygen into the battle
• Swelling is caused by the increase in blood, plasma and other fluids in the area
• Pain – In addition to the pain caused by the injury, the additional pain results from chemicals released by your body that increase your sensitivity to pain
• Loss of Movement – Together, all the other symptoms make it difficult to have a full range of motion in the injured area, which helps to avoid further injury

Why We Use Ice for Inflammation

Ice alleviates every symptom of inflammation. Redness and heat are reduced because the cooler temperatures restrict blood flow. Swelling is reduced because fewer fluids are brought to the area. The cold numbs the pain. And reduced swelling and pain makes it easier to move.

But in eliminating all of the symptoms, ice can actually slow down your body’s internal defence mechanisms, which can in turn prolong the healing process.

What Should You Do?

Done properly, using ice or a cold compress on an inflamed area isn’t harmful and can help you deal with the injury. To prevent over-freezing and the risk of frost bite, wrap the ice in a towel or pillowcase. To ease the symptoms, but still allow your body to heal itself, apply ice intermittently four or five times a day for ten or twenty minutes at a time.

Physiotherapy and massage therapy are other treatments that will help the healing process and reduce the length of time that you experience inflammation.

If you would like help to treat inflammation, please visit your local HealthMax Physiotherapy Clinic in Toronto and the GTA, or call us at 416-431-4000 for a free initial consultation.