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Active Healing Centre
Hot, Cold, Warm, Cool
Treating Injuries
We naturally think of ice in the winter and heat in the summer. That usually applies to the weather, but it’s a different concept when it comes to treating injuries.
When I see patients with a chronic type of injury, I’ll make home care suggestions to apply heat before they stretch (which increases the blood flow to the injured area), then do the stretch (which I’ve previously given) and then ice afterwards (to decrease any inflammation).
The general rule of thumb is:
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apply ice, for the first 24 hours
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apply contrast of warm and cool, for the next 24 to 72 hours
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use heat, for the 72+ hours
ICE also comes in various forms such as:
Ice bags, ice packs, cryotherapy, gel packs, cold compress
Is effective in the treatment of:
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Tendonitis
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Tennis elbow
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Migraines, as the ice pack is placed at the back of the neck
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Acute strains, sprains, and bruises
HEAT comes in various forms such as:
Thermophore, hot pack, hot bath, mustard packs, paraffin wax, hot towels, heat compress
Is effective in the treatment of:
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Backache
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Insomnia
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Digestive issues
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Joint problems
CASTOR OIL compress
Is effective in the treatment of:
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Muscle, tendon, ligament, disc or bone damage
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Skin problems
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Digestive disorder
PARAFFIN WAX bath
Is effective in the treatment of:
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Chronic scar tissue
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Arthritic joints
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For RMT’s overworked hands
EPSOM SALT BATH
Is effective in the treatment of:
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Circulation issues
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Muscles aches and pains
See your doctor if the pain persists or doesn’t go away within a day or two.
See your therapist if treatment is recommended.