Our bodies response to injury is an inflammatory response that results in PAIN
Whether a person bumps their knee into a corner or wakes up with their neck feeling “kinked” what they are feeling is the INFLAMMATION that our bodies produce when there is any type of tissue injury. Our bodies’ response to an injury is an influx of blood contained with cells that are suppose to clean up the injury. This fluid influx is what causes swelling and heat in the injured area.
This in-turn is what produces pain and discomfort. It is for this reason that I always recommend to my patients that they apply ICE for 15-20 minutes within the first 48 hours of the original injury/inflammation response. Once the inflammation has been sitting in the injured area for more than two days, it begins to become chronic. In the chronic phase of inflammation, our bodies do not recognize the injury the same way. As the inflammation sits and builds past 48 hours, it forms into SCAR TISSUE causing stiffness and a decreased range of motion. For many people this is what causes long-standing pain and injuries. This type of inflammation requires more heat than ice as it will help to break up the scar tissue.
A solution to inflammation is not always easily solved by taking a anti-inflammatory or applying ice. If an inflammation is chronic it might be best to see a doctor who will help to treat CHRONIC PAIN SYNDROMES.
