
12/08/2025
Here’s our take on the ‘ICE’ vs ‘HEAT’ debate!
Cold ❄️seems to help reduce inflammation marginally. We like to use cold for acute injuries such as ankle ligament sprains. We usually advise to apply in 10 min intervals (10 on, 10 off)
Heat 🔥is great at reducing pain. It can be useful when muscles are feeling ‘tight’. A warm heat can be applied in 20 minute intervals, or a low level heat wrap / patch for a couple of hours
Contrast therapy can also be a great option, where heat and ice are alternated on the affected area - 10-15 mins of each.
Whilst both are quite safe, there are of course risks, such as burns (both heat and ice burns!), and you should seek advise from your healthcare professional.
Overall, both have their place, we just prefer that to be outside of the treatment room. These are fantastic modalities that are simple enough for patients to apply in their own time.