Mission Statement |
It is our mission to provide the highest quality of care to our patients by highly trained and qualified staff through evidence-based practice, promoting health and wellness; timely recovery following injury, debilitation, or surgical intervention; return to prior level of function and independence in daily activities, work, and recreation, to service the people of our community and industry. |
| Heat vs. Cold |
| How do you know when to use heat and when to use cold? The general rule is, use ice initially for injuries the first 48 - 72 hours then switch to using heat. |
| There are 2 basic types of injuries: |
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| Generally an acute injury is the result of impact or trauma such as a fall, sprain or collision. Chronic injury may be the result of overuse or can be because of an acute injury not healing properly or not given proper treatment. |
Cold therapy vasoconstricts blood vessels resulting in a reduction of swelling of the surrounding tissue or a reduction in inflammation of a muscle or tendon. Whereas, heat causes vasodilation allowing blood vessels to expand creating more blood flow, permitting muscles to relax, decrease stiffness and promote healing. |
| Cold therapy is best for an acute injury because it helps to reduce swelling and pain. Apply a cold pack for 10 - 15 minutes at a time. Before icing again, allow the skin to return to normal temperature. You can ice several times a day for the first 48 - 72 hours. |
| Heat therapy is best for a chronic injury because it helps to relax the muscle. Heat can help to relieve sore, stiff aching muscles. Use heat for 15 - 20 minutes at a time. Make sure you use enough layers between your skin and heat to prevent burns. NEVER leave heat on for more than 20 minutes at a time or while sleeping to reduce the risk of a burn. |
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