This week’s Ask the Docs answers are provided by Dr. Michael C. Ciccotti Jr., Sports Medicine Surgeon at Rothman Orthopaedics, Official Orthopedic Partner of All-Star Sports Academy! Remember, if you need quick access to a Rothman Physician, be sure to utilize their Fast Scheduler program!
Question: “How do I know when I should use ice for an injury and how do I know when I should use heat for an injury? Also, do any of these devices or treatments like a stim machine, Marc Pro machine, cupping, etc. actually help with your body to recover?” – Jaxon (Malvern, PA)
Answer:
Jaxon, thank you for the question. This is another fairly common question that I get asked about by patients in the office. In my mind, I don’t think of ice as superior to heat or vice versa. I simply see them as doing different things. I see ice as a helpful treatment for addressing or minimizing inflammation and swelling, often immediately after exertion, i.e. a pitcher icing their shoulder after they finish their outing. I think of heat as a good way of addressing tightness, particularly muscular tightness, which may be helpful before exertion to loosen up. However, every athlete has their own preference and I encourage patients to find what works for them individually. In terms of the other “modalities” that you mentioned, these can all be very helpful and work in a variety of ways i.e. a stim machine eliciting neuromuscular activation or cupping encouraging blood flow. However, I would caution any patient to make sure that they are educated on the proper use of these treatments before attempting to do so on their own to avoid injuring themselves.
