When you're in pain, you want quick relief. Knowing whether to reach for ice or heat can be important for feeling better sooner. Both can help if you use them at the right time and for the right ...

The use of local cold therapy, also known as cryotherapy, has been a common practice in the management of acute musculoskeletal injuries such as strains, sprains, and contusions for decades. Think of ...

Experts recommend using ice after an injury, for sudden onset pain, or for inflammation. Heat is ideal for chronic pain or for injuries that are no longer swollen. Share on Pinterest PM Images/Getty ...

Pain is often an unseen force that quietly works its way into the fabric of who you are. While people might think of pain as just a momentary feeling, it often leaves a more lasting impact than you’d ...

Touch a hot plate and your hand flies back. While the response is almost instant, researchers are still working to better understand the molecular mechanisms behind these sensations of heat and pain.

Ice therapy involves cooling the painful area of your back. It's helpful for acute (new or temporary) back pain. While it's helpful in the short term, long-term use of ice therapy may delay healing ...

Ice helps reduce swelling and pain by narrowing blood vessels and limiting blood flow. You can use heat to relax tight muscles and improve blood flow after 48-72 hours of injury. Applying ice for ...