Is heat or ice better for muscle inflammation?
Asked by: Delfina Bednar | Last update: November 12, 2025Score: 4.9/5 (21 votes)
Do you put hot or cold on inflamed muscles?
When an injury or inflammation (such as tendonitis or bursitis) occurs, tissues are damaged. Cold numbs the affected area, which can reduce pain and tenderness. Cold can also reduce swelling and inflammation.
What is the best thing to take for inflamed muscles?
Ibuprofen (trade names are Advil, Motrin, Midol) "targets inflammation, so it is particularly helpful for muscle pain, joint pain and sports injuries. For the winter, ibuprofen really comes in handy for sore throats.”
Is it better to ice or heat in the inflammatory phase?
“While both ice and heat can be useful for managing pain and inflammation, in general, ice is better for acute or traumatic injuries, and heat is better for chronic pain,” says Woodard.
Is deep heat good for muscle inflammation?
The penetrating warmth of Deep Heat helps stimulate circulation, relax stiffness and reoxygenate tense, painful tissues. Its counterirritant action makes it effective in the treatment of muscular pains and stiffness including rheumatic pain, backache, fibrositis, lumbago and sciatica.
Sciatica - Does Applying ICE Help Relieve The Pain?
Why is heat not good for inflammation?
“Heat actually has the opposite effect of ice,” Dr. Behr says. “It causes small blood vessels to open which can stimulate inflammation rather than relieve it.” Heat treatments should be used for chronic conditions to help relax and loosen tissues and stimulate blood flow to the area.
When not to use deep heat?
See your doctor before using Mentholatum Deep Heat Cream if you: - are pregnant or breastfeeding - have asthma Page 2 Do not smoke or go near naked flames – risk of severe burns. Fabric (clothing, bedding, dressings etc) that has been in contact with this product burns more easily and is a serious fire hazard.
Why is icing inflammation bad?
A lot has changed recently because ice decreases blood flow to the area and it decreases the inflammatory process to the tissues that are injured. In that instance, what you're doing is limiting your body's ability to heal itself when you're putting ice on an acute musculoskeletal injury.
When not to use hot compress?
Heat therapy is not recommended immediately after physical activity, after injury, or during an infection. The heat will worsen pain and prolong healing if used when the tissues are damaged or infected.
What temperature reduces inflammation?
Cold treatment reduces inflammation by decreasing blood flow. Apply within 48 hours after an injury. Heat treatment promotes blood flow and helps muscles relax. Use for chronic pain.
How long does it take for muscle inflammation to go away?
Muscle healing starts with an initial inflammatory response, usually lasting 1-3 days. Then it moves to a proliferation phase 24-48 hours after injury and continues for several months and then the final stage is remodelling phase, which starts soon after injury but can last for a year or more.
What is the strongest natural anti-inflammatory?
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
One form of these powerful inflammation fighters is found in fatty fish such as salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines, tuna, striped bass and anchovies. You can get the benefit from eating the fish or by taking fish oil supplements. Vegetarians and vegans have options, too.
Is Tylenol or ibuprofen better for muscle inflammation?
So, which one should you use? Haley Morrissey, a clinical pharmacist for OSF HealthCare, has a general rule of thumb. “If you have muscle or skeletal pain or inflammation, go with ibuprofen,” Haley said. “If it's just a regular headache, acetaminophen is good.”
How do you treat muscle inflammation?
Temporary muscle pain can usually be relieved by resting, stretching, or taking pain relievers. Rest and elevate the affected area to reduce the strain. Apply a cold compress to relieve inflammation and a hot compress to improve blood circulation in the sore muscles.
Why is ice no longer recommended for injuries?
Some recent studies suggest that ice—especially when used during the acute phase of an injury—reduces blood flow and can, therefore, end up delaying the healing process. The conventional wisdom behind using ice on soft-tissue injuries was that doing so would reduce pain and swelling.
Does Biofreeze reduce inflammation?
No, Biofreeze patches do not contain anti-inflammatory active ingredients. Instead, Biofreeze patches work by utilizing one active ingredient (menthol) to create a cooling sensation to distract the brain from pain and reduce inflammation in the same way ice does. Biofreeze is often called “cold therapy.”
Why is it bad to put heat on inflammation?
Applying heat to an injury increases blood flow to the area and helps facilitate the healing process. But, if you apply heat too soon after an injury, it can cause additional swelling by increasing blood flow too much.
Is too much heat bad for muscles?
When it's hot outside, your body has to work harder to regulate its temperature, which can cause muscle fatigue. The heat can also reduce blood flow to the muscles, making them more prone to cramping and soreness.
What is the difference between inflammation and swelling?
Swelling is any abnormal enlargement of a body part. It is typically the result of inflammation or a buildup of fluid. Edema describes swelling in the tissue outside of the joint. Effusion describes swelling that is inside a joint, such as a swollen ankle or knee.
Does ice cream make inflammation worse?
Ice cream contains two ingredients that are believed to cause inflammation. The first culprit is dairy. Dairy cows are fed with foods that contain high levels of omega-6 fatty acids. Eating dairy products of those cows (like ice cream) may introduce those into your diet.
How long to ice inflamed muscle?
This means that if you can reduce your swelling, you can reduce your pain." The most common way to use ice to help relieve muscle or joint pain is to apply an ice pack to the area for about 20 to 30 minutes. It's important to stick to this time frame, since over-icing can lead to skin damage.
Does Deep heat make inflammation worse?
Ice constricts, or narrows, blood vessels. Constricting blood vessels inhibits the body from allowing inflammation in the iced area. Heat dilates, or widens blood vessels, allowing more inflammation to flow to an injured or painful area.
Does heat help nerve pain?
In our current study, we demonstrated that moderate hot compresses can dramatically reduce inflammatory factors, both in the location of the nerve injury and the brain. Moreover, the pain relief effect of hot compresses may be enhanced by increasing the blood circulation and reducing the inflammatory factors.
When should you not use heat?
“For any acute injuries such as muscle sprains, strains, knee injuries, fractures or dislocations, heat therapy is not advised,” shares Dr. Rama. Similarly to cold therapy, heat therapy should also never be applied to open wounds and patients with circulatory problems should avoid, as well.