Modern Australian

To Ice or not to Ice an injury?


Sprained ankle? Ice pack. Black eye? Ice pack. Sports injury? Ice bath. We have been taught for many years to always reach straight for the ice when our bodies are suffering an injury and especially if we know that injury is going to double in size with swelling. But what if ice isn’t always the best solution?

So why do our bodies experience swelling around injuries? Swelling is the bodies way of protecting itself. When the body senses an injury, it will react by sending a flurry of white blood cells to the area to allow the repair work to begin. Although, while the swelling allows the healing process to begin it also keeps you from using that part of your body as you normally would. So, if you have sprained your ankle, the swelling will keep you from walking on it for a while, and even though this is good in the short term, after a while your muscles start to weaken from lack of use, and it may take you longer to regain the strength you once had. Many sports injuries can result in chronic swelling, again seriously slowing down recovery due to weakening of the surrounding muscles.

Now that’s where the ice comes in. Applying ice over an injury is the most common way to reduce swelling in the body and is used for most sports around the world. You’ve probably seen a footballer in the middle of the pitch having their legs wrapped in ice, or tennis players leaning an icepack over their shoulders on the side of the court, it’s a quick and easy way to reduce pain providing numbness and reducing the likelihood of swelling. These athletes are all following the advice of the well-known acronym R.I.C.E (rest, Ice, compression, elevation) dating back to 1978. Yet recent studies have found that icing and preventing the body’s natural reaction to swell may delay healing rather than aid it.

But before you go throwing out your bag of frozen peas from the freezer, you’ll be glad to know it’s not a complete no for using ice to ease the pain. It is recommended that if using ice for pain management you should ice your injury in short bursts of no more than 5 minutes at a time. Anything more than that can have a massively slow down recovery time. Also, it’s said to be best to leave at least 20 minutes between each icing session, again allowing your body to continue with its own natural healing process. For more of a long term fix you would benefit more from looking into Sports physiotherapy to help  encourage your body to heal with the help of a well-trained expert, rather than what has previously been a trusted process.

So, should you ice or not? It’s hard to break old habits but in this case, it may be for the best. Just remember, ice is not the enemy. Keep it short and sweet, a little bit of icing can go a long way.

Health Features

Top 10 Benefits of Practicing Taekwondo for All Ages

Taekwondo is more than just a martial art; it’s a way of life that offers profound physical, mental, and emotional benefits. Whether you're a child, adult, or senior, taekwondo can...

The Ultimate Guide to Daily Dental Hygiene: Tips for a Healthy Smile

Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for a healthy smile that lasts a lifetime. While regular visits to your dentist are important, establishing an effective daily dental care routine is...

Sugar-Free Chocolate Treats: A Guilt-Free Indulgence

People are very conscious about their health and sugar-free chocolates are becoming a popular option. This is a delicious and very satisfying option. You're not sacrificing any indulgence. If you...

Importance of Gym Cleaning for Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty

A clean gym is essential for building customer satisfaction and loyalty. Members are more likely to return to a fresh and hygienic space.  Maintaining spotless equipment, floors, and common areas shows...

Exploring the Different Types of Physiotherapy: Musculoskeletal, Neurological, Cardiovascular, and Respiratory

Physiotherapy is a dynamic field that plays a pivotal role in the maintenance and restoration of physical function and wellness. It offers diverse specialties that cater to the various systems...

The Importance of Chemical Cabinets: Ensuring Safety and Compliance

In laboratories, industrial settings, and various workplaces where chemicals are handled, the importance of proper storage cannot be overstated. One of the critical components of safe chemical management is the...

Innovative Solar Conduit Solutions: Why Solarflex Stands Out

When it comes to solar installations, efficiency, safety, and regulatory compliance are essential — particularly when tight schedules and diverse en...

Loaded Potato Snacks: Perfectly Crispy French Fries and Air-Fried Hash Browns

Are you craving a crunchy, flavorful potato snack that goes beyond the usual French fries? Let me introduce you to two of my favorite recipes: Loade...

Bulk Liquid Storage Tanks: Essential Solutions for Modern Industry

In industries where managing large quantities of liquids is a daily requirement, bulk liquid storage tanks play a vital role. These tanks are desi...

Bistro Blinds for Seasonal Changes: Adapting Your Outdoor Space

Bistro blinds are outdoor designs that can be adapted for seasonal changes. They warm up the environment by making it wind-free, wet-free, and sun...

Advantages of Using Digital Printing Services

The demand for quick, efficient, and high-quality printing solutions has seen remarkable growth in our modern, fast-paced world. This increasing nee...

Benefits of Professional Strata Management

Navigating the complexities of strata management can be a daunting endeavor for any strata property owner or committee member. Strata management inv...

The Hidden Benefits of Bundling Utilities with Moving Services

Moving can feel overwhelming with so many things to juggle. Hiring a moving company in Brisbane helps make it easier, but did you know you can make it...

Family Mediation: The Path to Resolution, Healing, and Lasting Solutions

In an era where family challenges are often met with emotional and financial strain, family mediation has quietly gained traction as a life-changing...

Surprise Party Ideas That Will Leave Your Guests Speechless

Throwing a surprise party is one of the most exciting ways to celebrate a special occasion. The thrill of keeping it a secret combined with the joy ...

“North of the River” Vs “Over the Bridge” – What’s in Brisbane’s ongoing North Vs South Feuds?

Greater Brisbane Australia’s largest capital city by land area, coming in at 15,824 square kilometers, and ranks number three worldwide. It has Au...

Income Stream Integration: 7 Ways to Earn Money Through Your Website

Whether you sell Vietnamese coffee, review Japanese gadgets, or rent Melbourne self storage, your website is more than just an online presence—it...

Top 10 Benefits of Practicing Taekwondo for All Ages

Taekwondo is more than just a martial art; it’s a way of life that offers profound physical, mental, and emotional benefits. Whether you're a chil...

Plasterboarding and Ceiling Repair: The PlasterX Advantage for Long-Lasting Results

Contacting professionals who are well-versed in the nuances of the task is essential to preventing headaches during plastering ceiling repair work. ...

Snake Catcher’s Life-Saving Advice: What to Do When You Encounter a Snake

Australia is home to some of the most venomous snakes in the world, and if you live here, you're already well aware of how dangerous these creatures...

The Best Dumplings in Melbourne

Melbourne offers the best dumplings in the world, with variety of tastes and styles. The perfect dumpling is boiled, fried, or steamed - the best ...

The Ultimate Guide to Daily Dental Hygiene: Tips for a Healthy Smile

Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for a healthy smile that lasts a lifetime. While regular visits to your dentist are important, establishi...

Mixing Vintage and Modern: How to Create a Timeless Interior

Achieving a timeless interior that blends both vintage charm and modern sophistication can transform any home into a stylish, curated space. When do...

Sugar-Free Chocolate Treats: A Guilt-Free Indulgence

People are very conscious about their health and sugar-free chocolates are becoming a popular option. This is a delicious and very satisfying option...