Sports medicine practitioners most frequently receive clients with all manner of injuries related to sports or following an active lifestyle. Many of these are common orthopedic injuries. Treatment for such injuries is often treated through cold or hot therapy. The two are different and therefore it’s vital to know which injuries can be treated by each.
Hot therapy.
Also referred to as thermotherapy, this method can treat many ailments. Heat is used to make the blood vessels dilate and open. This way, the soft and skeletal muscle tissues are able to relax with the increased flow of vital fluid through the blood vessels. In addition, there is an increased supply of oxygen to the injured part bringing about healing more quickly. Better still, the dilated blood vessels provide an outlet for the damaged cells as the wound heals. The ideal injuries that can be treated using heat can include chronic pain and one or two days old wounds. Caution should be exercised when using heat therapy since leaving the compress on the skin for a long time can result in skin burns.
Cold therapy.
As the name suggests, cold therapy simply means using a cold compress to treat various orthopedic injuries. Also known as cryotherapy, this method works on the premise that when a cold compress is applied on an injury, blood vessels constrict to encourage healing. Naturally, when one gets hurt, the body immediately initiates the healing process. Normally, blood is rushed to injured areas to provide oxygen and necessary nutrients. In addition, the immune system is triggered to send white blood cells to fight the wounded cells. In the process, swelling happens which can bring about pain and difficulties in moving the injured part. This is where cold therapy can help ease the pain and slow down swelling. Take care to not keep the cold compress directly on the skin.
Choosing to DIY or to see a doctor as far as sports injuries are concerned hinges on the injury's severity. If the situation is completely out of hand such that functionality of the injured part is hindered, that may be a pointer towards seeking assistance from a professional sports medicine doctor. Where the wound takes longer to heal, it is also advisable to seek medical attention.
In conclusion, with many injuries, seek the attention of your medical care specialist. For pronounced orthopedic injuries see a sports medicine doctor. However, if you prefer doing it yourself, be sure when it’s appropriate to employ either cold or hot therapy.
Remember to live life to its Fullest
Sports medicine practitioners most frequently receive clients with all manner of injuries related to sports or following an active lifestyle. Many of these are common orthopedic injuries. Treatment for such injuries is often treated through cold or hot therapy. The two are different and therefore it’s vital to know which injuries can be treated by each.
Hot therapy.
Also referred to as thermotherapy, this method can treat many ailments. Heat is used to make the blood vessels dilate and open. This way, the soft and skeletal muscle tissues are able to relax with the increased flow of vital fluid through the blood vessels. In addition, there is an increased supply of oxygen to the injured part bringing about healing more quickly. Better still, the dilated blood vessels provide an outlet for the damaged cells as the wound heals. The ideal injuries that can be treated using heat can include chronic pain and one or two days old wounds. Caution should be exercised when using heat therapy since leaving the compress on the skin for a long time can result in skin burns.
Cold therapy.
As the name suggests, cold therapy simply means using a cold compress to treat various orthopedic injuries. Also known as cryotherapy, this method works on the premise that when a cold compress is applied on an injury, blood vessels constrict to encourage healing. Naturally, when one gets hurt, the body immediately initiates the healing process. Normally, blood is rushed to injured areas to provide oxygen and necessary nutrients. In addition, the immune system is triggered to send white blood cells to fight the wounded cells. In the process, swelling happens which can bring about pain and difficulties in moving the injured part. This is where cold therapy can help ease the pain and slow down swelling. Take care to not keep the cold compress directly on the skin.
Choosing to DIY or to see a doctor as far as sports injuries are concerned hinges on the injury's severity. If the situation is completely out of hand such that functionality of the injured part is hindered, that may be a pointer towards seeking assistance from a professional sports medicine doctor. Where the wound takes longer to heal, it is also advisable to seek medical attention.
In conclusion, with many injuries, seek the attention of your medical care specialist. For pronounced orthopedic injuries see a sports medicine doctor. However, if you prefer doing it yourself, be sure when it’s appropriate to employ either cold or hot therapy.
Remember to live life to its Fullest
Hot therapy.
Also referred to as thermotherapy, this method can treat many ailments. Heat is used to make the blood vessels dilate and open. This way, the soft and skeletal muscle tissues are able to relax with the increased flow of vital fluid through the blood vessels. In addition, there is an increased supply of oxygen to the injured part bringing about healing more quickly. Better still, the dilated blood vessels provide an outlet for the damaged cells as the wound heals. The ideal injuries that can be treated using heat can include chronic pain and one or two days old wounds. Caution should be exercised when using heat therapy since leaving the compress on the skin for a long time can result in skin burns.
Cold therapy.
As the name suggests, cold therapy simply means using a cold compress to treat various orthopedic injuries. Also known as cryotherapy, this method works on the premise that when a cold compress is applied on an injury, blood vessels constrict to encourage healing. Naturally, when one gets hurt, the body immediately initiates the healing process. Normally, blood is rushed to injured areas to provide oxygen and necessary nutrients. In addition, the immune system is triggered to send white blood cells to fight the wounded cells. In the process, swelling happens which can bring about pain and difficulties in moving the injured part. This is where cold therapy can help ease the pain and slow down swelling. Take care to not keep the cold compress directly on the skin.
Choosing to DIY or to see a doctor as far as sports injuries are concerned hinges on the injury's severity. If the situation is completely out of hand such that functionality of the injured part is hindered, that may be a pointer towards seeking assistance from a professional sports medicine doctor. Where the wound takes longer to heal, it is also advisable to seek medical attention.
In conclusion, with many injuries, seek the attention of your medical care specialist. For pronounced orthopedic injuries see a sports medicine doctor. However, if you prefer doing it yourself, be sure when it’s appropriate to employ either cold or hot therapy.
Remember to live life to its Fullest
4110 22nd Place Lubbock, TX 79410
(806) 792-4329
Disclaimer: This information is provided as an educational service only, and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. Anyone seeking specific medical advice or assistance should consult his or her doctor or orthopedic surgeon.
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