When is heat needed for on going pain and when is cold? What is the difference
In: Biology
Registered nurse here.
The rule of thumb is really simple. If cold helps, use cold. If heat helps, use heat.
Cold will help pain by slowing nerve impulses. Heat will help pain by relaxing muscles. It can depend on lots of factors which one will be best for your injury. Use whichever one works. But 15 minutes is about as long as you want to use either one, after that efficacy drops quite a bit.
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