Why ice on old injury ?

[OldWood]

All the treatments, self or otherwise, instruct one to apply ice to the injury site as soon as possible. My understanding is that this is to effectively shut down the vessels in the area and limit fluid ingress - ie limit swelling and fluid build up.

So what is the point of ice treatment on an injury that is a month or more old, and little or no swelling. In my case I've a strained MC ligament - light strain from hill walking but I didn't detect it initially and the damage has consequently built up. The physio has manipulated it and has instructed me to ice 3 times a day.

From my limited knowledge, ice doesn't seem to be the logical treatment as it will reduce the already poor blood flow to the ligament.

I'll discuss when I go back in a week's time but I'd be better not to make a fool of myself if I am missing an obvious point.

Cheers
OW

[Heidi]

You are right, the purpose of ice is to reduce swelling and inflammation and is usually used in the early stages of treatment. It is sometimes also used following rehab sessions to for the same purpose whilst the injury is healing.

If there is no swelling and it doesn't feel hot at all or stiff in the mornings then icing is not usually advised. You would probably be better off performing contrasts - so warming for 5 minutes, followed by cooling for 5 minutes and repeat again. This is used to increase the blood flow to the area in a wave like pattern which will help with healing.

However, do check with your physio before doing this!

[OldWood]

Thanks Heidi
Gives me a discussion point at least ! I'll continue with the ice as instructed, and is probably necessary anyway as the first treatment's manipulation has created almost more discomfort than was there originally !!

OW