Athletic injuries: Heat vs. cold.
Cryotherapy is the treatment of choice in the management of acute athletic injuries. Ice is readily available and simple to apply. The rationale for its use is based on well-defined physiologic observations. The application of heat is not indicated in the immediate treatment of acute athletic injuries. If applied early and injudiciously, heat may adversely affect resolution of the trauma and prolong the rehabilitation of the athlete.
D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000628:therapy*; D003288:Contusions / Q000628:therapy; D017679:Cryotherapy; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000628:therapy; D006358:Hot Temperature / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D013180:Sprains and Strains / Q000628:therapy