When to Utilize Hot or Cold Therapy For an Injury - Health - Fitness

When treating an injury such as a pulled muscle or sprained ankle, hot or cold therapy is often utilized. When using this type of therapy on an injury, many people are often unsure on which type of therapy they should use. The following outlines when to use either hot or cold therapy.

Hot Therapy

One should apply heat on an injured area when there is no inflammation. Heat therapy is typically used for such conditions as sore and stiff muscles as well as joint pain. The heat relaxes muscles and improves blood circulation. Experts believe the heat releases endorphins which inhibits pain signals to the brain. The effect of the heat causes the blood vessels to expand allowing the blood which carries oxygen and nutrients to circulate and reach the injured area. The boost in circulation allows excess fluid and waste to be carried away from the area allowing for healing to take place.

Heat therapy is often used before exercise or participating in sports so the muscles will be relaxed and more flexible. Heat is usually applied for about 20 minutes. A hot wet towel, hot pack, and heating pad are normally used in heat therapy. Heat therapy is popular for use on back injuries. It should not be used on sprained ankles and inflamed joints and muscles. The suitable temperature for heat therapy is about 104 to 113 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cold Therapy

Cold therapy is used for reducing pain, inflammation, and slowing metabolic action. The cold dulls nerve activity thereby inhibiting pain. For inflammation, cold constricts blood vessels which stop fluid from traveling to the injury where swelling occurs and permits fluid drainage. This allows for a reduction in swelling. Cold reduces muscle spasms and tightens muscles so they cannot stretch and extend which allows for healing.

Cold therapy is beneficial for immediate injuries as it reduces both pain and swelling. It is beneficial for treating lower back pain. Ice wrapped in a towel and cold packs are often used for about 10 minutes at a time. Some people will use a bag of ice or frozen vegetables such as peas. Cold therapy is also beneficial for chronic pain injuries. It should not be used before exercise because it tightens muscles making them less flexible.

When one sustains an injury due to such activities as heavy lifting, exercise, sports, or another activity that involves an intensive use of the muscles and ligaments, hot and cold therapy is an effective treatment for the injury. These injuries are quite common. The type of treatment you use will depend on the type of injury you receive. It is important to remember that an injury can be serious so it is vital that you see a doctor if the injury gets worse.

Many experts recommend seeing a doctor if the injury does not improve within 48 hours. Whether you use hot or cold therapy, it is essential to use the proper temperature and length of time for the most effective results.

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Health Insurance Plan Crisis Hurts Emergency Room Patients - Insurance - Health Coverage

Millions of people in America go without a health insurance plan, yet they still come down with illnesses and injuries they are unsure of how to handle. Although they aren't suffering from a severe ailment that requires an ambulance, Tylenol and a Band-Aid don't help. Many of these uninsured individuals head to an emergency room instead of a primary doctor they may not have. Hospital emergency rooms are legally required to treat every patient that comes through, regardless of their insurance status. Indeed, people with public insurance or no insurance at all were found to have an average wait no longer than those with private plans. This has led to more people jamming the ER for minor problems, which isn't the intended purpose of said facilities.

Crowded ER rooms endanger those people suffering from true emergencies. Hospitals do their best to triage patients and treat them in order of need. A study found that over the past decade, wait times for emergency patients increased on average. In 2006, under half of patients in emergencies were seen within the time frame medically recommended for best outcomes (14 minutes); this figure dropped nearly ten points from 1997. The delay can result in a greater likelihood of complications. After they leave the ER, some of the about 50% of emergency patients not seen in time may be dealing with side effects that drive up their health insurance plans' premiums, or even give them pre-existing conditions that make finding any health insurance at all more difficult.

The flood of non-urgent patients has also negatively impacted the quality and speed of care provided to those with urgent conditions. The speed of their treatment has similarly declined. Unfortunately, such an influx--coinciding with the steadily increasing prices of health insurance rates--has proven to be a struggle for most American hospitals, even with the best triage policies. People with urgent, semi-urgent, and non-urgent conditions can wait hours in the same line. Waiting for such long periods doesn't simply cause annoyance; the results can be unhealthy or even deadly. Having people with a variety of conditions in the same room for an extended length of time can also result in certain diseases being communicated from the extremely sick to the relatively healthy. Since the majority of hospital ER facilities aren't meant to hold so many people, employees are often unable to quarantine those patients who are most ill.

How can emergency rooms be taken back for the people that most need them? The goal of Congress' healthcare reform proposals is to insure up to 96% of the U.S. population. Hopefully, these people will be able to use their newly affordable health insurance plans to see primary care physicians when they've come down with the seasonal flu or a sprained ankle and a pediatrician when their child has an ear infection instead of clogging up the ER. Those doctors would also provide them with preventative care, which is better and cheaper in the long run. Emergency room bills are expensive; while hospital ERs are required to treat a person even if they are unable to pay, the bills can run into the hundreds or thousands of dollars--and some hospitals may hire bill collectors in an attempt to seek payment. Urgent care clinics, such as the Minute Clinic and Take Care Clinic, will also alleviate the load on emergency rooms. They treat many minor medical problems for a flat fee regardles s of insurance status, and are often open later than doctors' offices.

Emergency rooms were meant to be a safety net for those in dire straits. After all, it's common knowledge that they are unable to deny medical care, which is a glaring exception in the United States, where some pre-existing conditions can cause someone to be ineligible to buy a private health insurance plan. Instead of a last resort, they have been taken advantage of by the entire health insurance system, patients and plans alike. One of the touted benefits of healthcare reform is that of a almost fully-insured public, which would serve to reserve the ER for those who need it most. Whether that will come to pass is unknown.

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Why Wait In The Clinic For hemroids Relief When You Could Prevent Them? - Health

I work in a health care clinic and it's simultaneously one of the more rewarding jobs I've ever held and the most frustrating. While we get the odd person in who's suffering from a life threatening condition, those cases are referred directly to a hospital, leaving our staff to deal with more mundane issues like hemroid treatment. It's not exactly the most glamorous place in the world, but when you see someone who's been suffering from the maddening irritation for weeks, or who was terrified their bloody stool might be a sign of cancer, seeing them benefit from hemroids relief can actually make your day.

A large part of what we do includes educating people about the potential causes of their various health issues and afflictions. Sometimes the information we distribute surprises even me, and I've seen a lot of this material. For example, until a few weeks ago, I had no idea that sitting on the toilet incorrectly could put you at a higher risk for developing hemroids. When you think about it, it makes sense, but it just never struck me as something I should be taking into account. And that's exactly the sort of feedback we receive from many of our clients. They haven't been exposed to a medical background and most of people don't have a doctor or nurse in the immediate family, so why should they? There are so many factors that affect medical conditions that seem obvious once they're pointed out, but until someone takes the time to do so, you wouldn't have a clue.

Let's go back to the hemroids example. We see people who are suffering from them and seeking hemroid treatment. If they understood the causes and risk factors for developing the condition and took preventive measures, they wouldn't be in here, all embarrassed and desperate for hemroids relief. I often suggest that they use their computer and check out a site like hemroidshemorrhoids.com, since it not only contains information about what they actually are (you'd be surprised by how many people think hemroids are something you catch from a dirty toilet seat), but also lists valuable advice about common treatments (including measures you can take yourself for a mild version) and most importantly of all, changes you can make to your lifestyle to reduce the risk of ever getting them in the first place. Because if you can avoid ever getting hemroids in the first place, you don't have to worry about coming into my clinic and squirming in your seat waiting for hemroid treatment.

Lawrence Kreger works in a public health care clinic and the nature of his role means he sees patients suffering from everything from hemroids to sprained ankles. "Sitting in a waiting room with a dozen people who are all in some sort of discomfort is no fun," says Lawrence. "Instead of needing hemroid treatment, work on prevention." The clinic Lawrence works for is located at: Advanced Health Consultants, P. O. Box 530007, St. Petersburg, FL, 33747; ; Phone #: 727-328-0859.

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Sports Massage - Still Beneficial? - Health - Alternative Medicine

Sports massage has been used for decades as a treatment tool for both sporting and occupational injuries, as well as pre-sport, post-sport and as a preventative measure. Its continued use is down to its success in the clinical setting. However, a new piece of research may be about to discredit its use.

If you ask a sports massage therapist what the benefits of sports massage are, their answer is likely to include "an increase in blood flow", alongside other commonly quoted effects, such as the break down of scar tissue, removal of lactic acid and stretching and realignment of muscle fibres.

A recent study from Queens University has demonstrated that sports massage can actually impair blood flow to the muscles following exercise, as well as reducing lactic acid removal. These findings have been used to suggest that it is not effective for use post-exercise.

Although more research is required, if this is in fact the case, it still does not render sports massage ineffective, post exercise, or in any other scenario.

From my personal experience of over 5 years practising sports massage, it is by far the most useful tool I possess, far beyond my TENS and Ultrasound machines! I use sports massage in the majority of my injury treatments, for everything from an acute or chronically sprained ankle, to lower back pain rehabilitation. It helps me to gain a good insight into the state of the underlying muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia as well as helping to stretch and relax tight muscles, release trigger points and break down adhesion's and scar tissue. I also have a number of devoted clients, whom after seeing their flexibility increase, aches and pains reduce, sporting performance improve and injury rate decrease, make regular appointments for a massage.

My point is this...new research should always be welcomed as we do not, and probably never will, fully understand the human body and the effects that our 'treatments' have, especially those labelled complimentary. However, I also believe in the proof of success within the clinical setting. If a practitioner finds something works (even if only on a placebo or psychological basis), then why stop using it?

More information on sports massage including online video demonstrations, as well as benefits and contraindications, can be found at /sports_massage/index.php

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How to Stay in the Game and Avoid Sports Injuries - Health

Injuries incurred during sports activities are occurrences that the majority of athletes and coaches are accustomed to. These conditions can cause physical pain to the athlete, but in many cases can set back the entire team. An ousted team member can cause setbacks in game performance and can have lasting results on the season as well. Like a team is affected by a missing member, a disabled body part influences the entire body. Lower-leg conditions such as sprained ankles, hyper-extended knees, and shin splints can be caused by improper form, lack of stretching, and too much use of the areas below the knees. As reported by medical professionals at the Cleveland Clinic, the majority of athletes have to deal with shin splints at some time. Here's how to prevent and treat these painful conditions, as well as preventing other common sports injuries.

Shin Splints: How They Originate

Shin splints cause symptoms such as pain running through the front or sides of the calf and shin areas. The pain can be dramatic and excruciating, especially when increasing pressure on the affected leg. Increased swollen muscle tissue can make the leg feel taut as well as produce visible inflammation and tenderness around the muscles. No matter what type of sport, from soccer to baseball any athlete can suffer from these conditions. Shin splints treatment should be started right away to begin the healing process immediately. Shin splints treatment guidelines followed by sports therapists includes rest, elevation, and icing of the painful area for 1 - 2 days. Continuing physical therapy and preventive exercises include calf and ankle strengthening moves and stretching of the Achilles tendon and the front leg muscles that surround the shin bone.

Twisting Injuries: How Weak Muscles Affect the Tendons and Ligaments

Twisting injuries are also commonly seen in impact-type sports. This is caused by either an extreme impact, which cannot be avoided, or from weak muscles of the knee, lower leg, and ankle. Weakened muscles can be remedied with lifting weights or sports therapy-approved exercises that target the lower leg. Weakened muscles lead to loosened joints in the ankles and knees so that simple movements or athletic activities can cause twisting injuries. Another helpful measure for stopping these types of injuries are to support the arch of the feet with firm arch support. This can be accomplished with the use of foot orthotics made especially for athletic activities. The doctors at the Cleveland Clinic also recommend taping the arch for extra arch support during games.

Tearing Injuries: Why They Occur in the Lower Leg

Spraining of the tendons and ligaments are also common types of sports-related injuries. This is most commonly found in the connecting structures of the knees and back of the heels. An Achilles injury is usually due to poor flexibility in the heel tendon due to inadequate stretching form. This is an important step in the warm-up procedure that must be taken seriously. Slow stretches without pulsing are recommended for anyone about to exercise. Holding the stretch for a minimum of 30 seconds, resting for a few moments, then repeating the stretch is what kinesiology specialists suggest. Anterior cruciate ligaments (ACL) are located in the knee and help maintain the knee structure together. Injuries to this part of the body can be avoided by strengthening the knee, calf and quadriceps through curls and extensions of the leg. Arch support inserts can help avoid both of these type of injuries by supplying proper arch support, ideal cushion, and proper foot form.

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Step Back to the Beat of Life: Sports Medicine - Health - Fitness

Sports MedicineSports Medicine is a branch of medicine that is concerned with preventing, diagnosing, and treating injuries that result from athletic activities. Sports medicine encompasses a wide range of pathologies, including ACL injuries, achilles tendon ruptures, rotator cuff injuries and meniscal tears. These injuries can manifest themselves in many different ways - low back pain, muscle cramps, and "runner's knee" are common indications of something serious. Find out about sports medicine injuries.You don't have to go to the City to find an orthopedic solution. Specialty Orthopaedics is the foremost sports medicine clinic in Westchester County, and services the Southern Connecticut and Northern Bronx areas as well. Specialty Orthopedics is home to four surgeons who specialize in various fields of sports medicine and joint replacement procedures. Dr. Zelicof is established as one of Westchester, New York's premier sports medicine and joint replacement specialists, pr oviding the most innovative solutions to get patients enjoying life again.Specialty Orthopaedics focuses on state of the art treatment - minimally invasive surgery, arthroscopy and robotic assisted surgery. Dr. Zelicof has provided solutions for thousands of sports medicine cases over the course of two decades for the Westchester area.

Sports Medicine InjuriesSports and physical activity can cause a number of joint problems - knee injuries, back pain, ankle sprains, shoulder injuries and ACL tears to name a few. At Specialty Orthpaedics, we are dedicated to getting you back to your active lifestyle with minimal recovery time and post-operative pain. You don't have to live with joint pain.Achilles TendonThe Achilles tendon is a tissue that stretches from the heal to the calf muscles. The Achilles tendon can be injured through exhaustive activity, misalignment, trauma or even improper footwear. The most common Achilles tendon injuries are Achilles tendinitis (or tendinosis) and Achilles tendon rupture. Find out more about Achilles tendon injuries and solutions.Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a tissue that runs from the thighbone to the shin. ACL injuries often occur during physical activities where pivoting or sidestepping is commonplace - basketball, tennis, soccer or skiing for example. Sufferers of an ACL injury might hear or feel a snap or crack followed by intense pain.Treatment for an injured knee is to return the patient to their desired level of activity without risking subsequent injury to the joint. Dr. Zelicof prefers conservative treatment - treatment without surgery. If indicated, Dr. Zelicof uses minimally invasive surgical techniques including arthroscopy and graft harvesting with the intent of bringing the patient back to their desired level of physical activity. Learn more about ACL tear and ACL reconstruction."Runner's Knee" "Runner's knee" is a colloquial term for a number of conditions affecting the kneecap, and is more precisely known as "patellofemoral pain." Running causes the kneecap to slide up and down in a groove. Poor running technique and improper footing can contribute to your kneecap slipping off track and wearing down the protective cartilage behind it. Other contributing factors are overtraining, muscle imbalance, and weak thigh muscles. Find out more about runner's knee.Ankle Fracture & Ankle Sprains The ankle joint is the most commonly injured joint in sports - approximately 70% of basketball players have sprained an ankle, and nearly 80% of athletes injure their ankle a second time (via eMedicine). Ankle injuries can cause serious pain and concern that the bone might be broken (fractured). Oftentimes a fractured ankle will cause sufferers to lose their ability to walk, as well. Early treatment for a sprained ankle can be summed up with the acronym RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression & Elevation. Learn more about ankle pain. Shoulder Injury Shoulder joints are notoriously instable and require attention and special consideration. Dr. Zelicof prefers conservative treatment methods (medications and anti-inflammation treatment), however shoulder replacement is sometimes indicated as the best solution to an injured shoulder.Shoulder replacement surgery can have you back to your prev ious level of physical activity in no time. Restore your range of motion and get the most comfortable solution designed yet. Find out more about shoulder replacement surgery.You don't have to go to the City to find an orthopedic solution. Specialty Orthopaedics is the foremost sports medicine clinic in Westchester County, and services the Southern Connecticut and Northern Bronx areas as well. Specialty Orthopedics is home to four surgeons who specialize in various fields of sports medicine and joint replacement procedures. Dr. Zelicof is established as one of Westchester, New York's premier sports medicine and joint replacement specialists, providing the most innovative solutions to get patients enjoying life again.For more information please visit: Specialty Orthopaedics

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Risks When Returning From Injury - Health - Fitness

When one achieves a very high level in whatever sport they partake in this is generally supported by experienced training staff. For the vast majority of us this will never be the case, because for those of us who take part in sport for our own enjoyment we can be left to our own devices on how we prepare for our sport. Training techniques are evolving all the time but the benefits of new training techniques don't always filter down the food chain. Or if they do it can often be through word of mouth and this can be very leading because by the time someone hears about the main point of what the message was can be diluted. For example I have heard conflicting stories of how to warm up before a game or an event. Traditionally I have always started with a light jog before I stretch my muscles but I was recently told that one should always stretch first before jogging and this helps to reduce injury. I am not sure which one is absolutely true but I am going with my traditional method until I see some evidence that stretching before jogging prevents injury. Some people consider their training techniques as classified information and don't want their competitors knowing what they do. Anyone would appreciate this point however I do believe that they are some basic pointers can always be passed down.

No matter what your sport is we are all exposed to getting injured and how we prepare can often determine how and when we get injured.Some of the more common sports and related injuries;

Sport InjuryTennis Tennis Elbow(Lateral Epiccondylitis)Cricket Tearing muscles in your armSoccer/Football HamstringSwimming Swimmers ShoulderAthletics Lower back Pain

Some of the more common injuries in all sports;

InjuryMuscle PullNeck StrainFrozen ShoulderLower Back PainTennis ElbowKnee InjuryShin SplintsSprained AnkleFoot Arch pain or strain

The point here is that no sport is immune from injury and that anyone who has played sports at a reasonably high level may have experienced some or all of the typical injuries listed above. To a very large degree they are very good treatments widely available to treat any injury. What is sometimes missing is advice on how to work your way back to a full training schedule. Why you are being treated you will get very good advice on how to rebuild the muscle to allow you to get back to training but once you are back training is largely up to oneself how fast normal training should resume. This is a critical time in any sports persons recuperation, and very often it can result in further injury. Having repeated injuries and the same part of your body can put you out of action for a long time may result in missing an important part of the season are a big event. Repeated injuries on the other hand can largely be avoided by always error on the side of caution and to take the ext ra time to recuperate can often strengthen the muscle back to its original strength.

Very often the decision to return back to normal training is influenced by an imminent big game or a big event. In hindsight it's very easy to say you should have trained easier but it can be very hard to make that decision when you are highly motivated to get back playing your sport as quickly as possible. The basic point is that when returning back to sport from an injury do it gradually and resist the temptation to resume full training to quickly.

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