The use of heat and ice is an ages old treatment type for all sorts of physical ailments. These methods induce changes in tissue temperature in targeted regions that generally aid in reducing inflammation and swelling, decreasing pain and lessening soft tissue trauma.

Heat treatment is designed to increase the temperature of soft tissue resulting in increasing blood flow and easing discomfort. Heat application can accelerate soft tissue healing due to this blood flow stimulation. It is often very soothing for aching and tired muscles and for chronic pain. An example would be using a heating pad or hot pack/patch for low back pain.

Cold treatment will decrease blood flow in soft tissues and reduce swelling. Decreased metabolic rates due to cold application will also help to limit the extent of soft tissue damage especially after acute injury. An example would be using an ice pack to treat an ankle sprain.

Physiotherapists are trained to know when to use ice and heat treatments effectively for all injury types.