Why Movement is Important for Healing Injuries

Although taking it easy might seem like the best strategy after an injury, spending too much time on the couch may be a bad idea. In fact, inactivity could actually make your symptoms worse and prolong your recovery time. Movement triggers your body's natural healing response and reduces your risk of chronic pain.

The Benefits of Moving

When you injure yourself, your body immediately activates its self-repair function. White blood cells flood the injured area and begin repairing the damaged tissues and cells. Increased blood flow causes inflammation and is the reason that you may notice swelling, stiffness, or redness around your injury.

Heat Or Ice?
Tips on Treating an Injury

When to use ice

Ice helps minimize swelling. By applying an ice pack, bag of frozen vegetables or cold washcloth at the onset of an injury, swelling can be controlled, which minimizes pain. It is okay to have direct exposure to ice only if it is short-term. Otherwise, applying a layer between the ice and your skin is highly recommended.

When to use heat

Heat actually has the opposite effect of ice, 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 to stimulate blood flow to the area. Heat is a great treatment option for chronic conditions caused from old injuries or even arthritis. Heat can be applied before participating in activities to help limber up. Experts advise against using heat treatments after activity or after an acute injury because heat can cause the swelling to worsen.

Heating pads are the most common heat source, but even a hot, wet towel can bring relief.

Source: Piedmont Health