GZZT.org - Cool links and free services

Is Heat or Ice Better for Arthritis Pain?


You probably know that applying heat or ice to a painful joint can help relieve pain, but have questions about these simple techniques. Which one? Why? How often? How long?

The only time you must choose "ice" is during the first 48 hours after a sudden injury or surgery. Cooling the area causes the nearby blood vessels to constrict; there is less swelling, so there is less pain. Heat opens up the area's blood vessels, improving the flow. Increased circulation brings oxygen and healing elements to the scene, while flushing away wastes: in with the good, out with the bad.

Use your ice/heat pack as often as you'd like; at least three times a day. Heat before activity warms up the joints, and ice afterward cools the inflammation from the friction in arthritic joints. Most packs can be frozen or heated; buy two. Keep one in the freezer, pop one in the microwave when you need it.

When trying to find relief from your daily arthritis pain, you can't go wrong by experimenting here! Choose a large ice/heat pack that is pliable enough to cover and conform to your painful joint. Try it for 20 minutes (check your skin every 5 minutes!) If you feel better, then you've made the right choice! If not, try the other.

Take notes on what works. Make good use of low-tech, low-cost, low-risk, common-sense health habits that pay off in many ways!

Want to learn more? Visit www.knowyourbones.com to order "Making Sense of Arthritis Medicine: Manage Your Symptoms Safely" and discover relief that's right for you!

About The Author

Stephanie E. Siegrist, MD is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon in her 10th year of practice, and author of "Making Sense of Arthritis Medicine." She's one of only 3% of U.S. orthopedic surgeons who are women! Dr. Siegrist strives to bridge the gaps that exist in today's doctor-patient relationship with "Information Therapy!" Complete information about Dr. Siegrist, and the book, are available from her website www.knowyourbones.com.


MORE RESOURCES:

Chinese alternative medicine works for pets
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, PA - 4 hours ago
Most Traditional Chinese Medicine experts practice Qi-Gong in order to replenish their own Qi. Dr. Connie Clemons-Chevis practices at Alternative Medicine ...


About 1 in 9 kids use alternative medicine
San Mateo Daily Journal, CA - 1 hour ago
Given that children are generally pretty healthy, the finding that so many use alternative medicine is “pretty amazing,” said one of the study’s authors, ...


For stress reduction, just say ommm
CNN International - 14 hours ago
Two decades ago, he acknowledged, many American physicians were skeptical about integrating alternative medicine into their recommendations. ...
Meditation Great For Stress Reduction ToTheCenter.com
all 5 news articles


Voice of America

Americans Turn to Complementary, Alternative Medicine for Pain Relief
Voice of America - Jan 2, 2009
That's the finding of a new survey released this month by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), which is part of the US ...
Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use WSOCtv.com
all 3 news articles


Peninsula On-line

Pricks that can ease your pains
Peninsula On-line, Qatar - 6 hours ago
The World Health Organisation, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine of the National Institutes of Health, the American Medical ...


Start the New Year Healthfully
Hawaii Reporter, HI - Jan 2, 2009
Specialists from the on-campus "Wellness Center" will discuss treatments in complementary and alternative medicine which are offered to the public by ...


Dry Skin Brushing: A Natural Way to Detox
Natural News.com, AZ - 59 minutes ago
Dr. Denice Moffat, a naturopath who specializes in alternative medicine and holistic healing techniques, says dry skin brushing helps clear toxins from the ...


WELT ONLINE

Apple CEO Cites 'Hormonal Imbalance' in Puzzling Weight Loss
MedPage Today, NJ - 9 hours ago
News reports at the time suggested that Jobs was skeptical of mainstream medicine and wanted to try alternative medicine first.
Steve Jobs’ Hormonal Imbalance Points to Bigger Problem IT Business Edge
Is Steve Jobs Suffering from the Devastating Effects of Pancreatic ... Natural News.com
Surgery May Have Spurred Steve Jobs’s Weight Loss Bloomberg
all 1,858 news articles


Pharmacist expands alternative medicine options with spa
Tampabay.com, FL - Dec 30, 2008
She is on the pharmacy staff of Mease Dunedin Hospital and is a grant reviewer for complementary and alternative medicine at the National Institutes of ...


Alternative Health and Nutrition Interest Group Spearhead By Local
SitNews, AK - Jan 3, 2009
Ketchikan, Alaska - A local nurse plans to bring her interest in alternative medicine to others who want to add another component to their routine to stay ...

Alternative medicine - Google News

GZZT.org | alternative health home | site map