Should I use heat or ice?
An injury causes swelling. Ice reduces swelling. Use ice within 72 hours of an injury and any time for pain control. Use a bag of frozen peas or other vegetables if you don’t have an ice pack. Always put a towel between the ice and your skin. Heat increase blood flow and aids in healing. Use heat on an injury that is older than 72 hours. Always use moist heat (heat a wet towel in the microwave) for an injury, sore muscle, etc.