Inflammation is part of the body’s immune response and can be chronic (long term) or acute (short term). It is caused by the body’s response to a pathogen such as bacteria, virus or to a trauma. The purpose of inflammation is to remove damaged tissue so the body can begin to heal. The body reacts to injury by initiating an inflammatory response. This increases the permeability of blood vessels, activates local pain receptors, and attracts immune chemicals creating swelling. The excess of fluids separates healthy cells in the vicinity from their oxygen source. As a result, many healthy cells die from secondary tissue damage called “hypoxic injury”. Inflammation can present with pain, swelling, heat and redness.
Part of our treatment process is to reduce the inflammatory response that a patient is experiencing This helps to reduce the discomfort and allow movement and healing of the injured area. To do this we always recommend using ice on the involved area. This is best done by applying a cold gel pack to the injured area for 10-20 minutes with a 10-minute rest period between each application. It is best to keep moving whilst using ice as this helps prevent muscles cramping from the cold. Depending on the severity of the injury this can be repeated over a 24 to 72-hour period. Early application of ice is important to reduce the healing time of an injury.
Keeping ice in your freezer as part of your first aid kit is a great way to be prepared. We have ice packs pre-frozen and un-frozen in the clinic for purchase if you do require one.
Please remember if you are experiencing pain that has recently started or intensified, use ice – not heat. Heat will likely feel great at the time but will increase your inflammatory response.
