20/08/2025
❄️🔥 How do you know if HEAT or ICE?
It’s one of the most common questions we get at AMBB—and the answer depends on what’s going on in your body.
Using the right therapy at the right time can make a big difference in your pain and inflammation levels, recovery, and healing.
🔹 USE ICE when...
❗ You’ve had a new or acute injury (within 24–72 hours)
🦵 There’s swelling or inflammation
🤕 You’ve got a sprain, strain, or joint flare-up
🧊 WHY ICE? 🧊
Ice helps reduce blood flow, which calms inflammation, swelling, and pain.
🕒 Apply ICE for 10–15 mins at a time, with breaks in between.
🌞 USE HEAT when...
💆♀️ You have tight, stiff, or sore muscles
(Please note: usually not after a treatment, we’ve already warmed you up! Focus on cool or calm. No hot baths or showers😜).
🪑 You’re dealing with chronic pain or tension (like back or neck tightness)
🫶 You want to relax and unwind after stress or posture overload
🌞 WHY HEAT?🌞
Heat increases circulation, relaxes muscles, and soothes chronic aches.
Great before stretching or movement-based rehab!
🕒 Apply for 15–20 mins with a safe, comfortable temperature (we love our lupin heat wraps for this!).
🔥 Quick Tips:
👉 If you’re not sure—start with ice in the first 48 hours after an injury.
👉 If it’s more about tightness, stress, or general soreness, go with heat.
Still unsure? Our physios, myos, remedials, osteos and podiatrists are here to guide you at our 4 locations:
Ocean Grove
Torquay
Drysdale
Highton
📍 Book an assessment or ask next time you’re in clinic!
BOOK ONLINE: https://www.ambb.com.au/bookonlinelink
CALL us on: ph. 03 5255 5792
🤗 Happy hump day from the AMBB & Stance Podiatry team!