How To Use Heat vs. Cold Therapy To Treat Injuries

Fitness, Fitness Gear + Fashion, Pain + Recovery, Training Advice

By: // April 11, 2016


When we work out, we have the best of intentions: to get stronger, lose weight, or simply improve our attitude for the day. But injuries are still bound to happen, whether from performing moves improperly, overextending ourselves through repetitive use of certain muscles, or falling and straining a muscle. From shin splints and sore shoulders to back pain—and everything in between—it can be frustrating to figure out how to heal your athletic injury.

Should you use cold therapy to treat your injury? Or heat therapy? We’re breaking down the difference between new and old injuries and what to do to recover from each—so you can get back to your workouts pain-free.

New Injuries (Acute Pain)

For injuries that are less than six weeks old, you’re looking at “acute pain” at this point. Think pulled muscles. Think twisted ankles or a tweaked back. For these new injuries, you’ll want to use cold therapy: whether by applying ice, or a cooling gel pack.

  • Ice not only numbs the pain but will decrease inflammation and swelling.
  • You do not want to use heat to treat acute injuries, because it can increase inflammation, which will delay your healing.

Old Injuries (Chronic Pain)

For injuries that are more than 6 weeks old and still hurt, you’re dealing with chronic pain. For these types of injuries—or arthritis—you’ll want to use heat. In addition, tight, achy muscles and joints react well to heat. I personally use heat on my low back regularly in the morning to improve mobility.

  • Heat works best for chronic pain because it increases blood flow and helps relax and soothe those tight or painful joints.
  • It’s best to apply heat before a workout if you have chronic pain, not after, as that can be more aggravating to your muscles.

Related: 7 Workout Mistakes That Can Leave You In Pain

What Should You Use?

When it comes to cold therapy, a bag of ice works but is messy. Wrap it in a towel to avoid it being too cold or dripping. When it comes to heat, a heating pad works but you need it to be plugged in. We are fans of the Hot/Cold Massager from Wahl; it allows you to use either hot or cold therapy, depending on the type of injury you have. As a bonus, the massaging effect helps relieve muscle tension and soreness of surrounding muscles or the affected area. These three therapies combine into one effective pain management tool. 

Whatever your injury, don’t neglect it! The sooner you start treating your pain with the appropriate technique, the sooner you can get back to your workouts and get on with your life.

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This post is sponsored by Wahl Wellness. We only partner with brands that align with our mission of health, wellness, and positivitywhose awesome products we think can actually improve your daily life.

Pin these tips for later!

Should you ice that injury or treat it with heat? Find out here.

READ THIS NEXT: 9 Ways To Treat Neck Pain Naturally


Printed from GetHealthyU.com

3 Comments


on November 6, 2019 at 2:48 PM Reply

Not all the time. Ice packs are put on Sprained ankles. Players take ice baths after the game. Lingering or chronic pain (which is player specific of course) demands heat therapy.


on January 8, 2019 at 3:19 AM Reply

If cold therapy is used for treating acute injuries then why are players after getting injured rubbed with deep heat and ointments that generate heat when rubbed?


on March 29, 2018 at 10:09 AM Reply

It's good to know that the application of cold or heat really depends on how long you've had the injury for. I found it especially helpful how you mentioned that ice is best for new injuries since it will decrease inflammation. I'd imagine most physios use cold therapy since a lot of their patients likely have acute injuries they want attending to.



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