Use these instructions for applying cold and heat to relieve pain and speed recovery from injury.
COLD
Use cold packs 15-20 minutes to affected area at least 3 times per day.
- Always use cold at the first onset of pain, stiffness, soreness and after an injury for the first 72 hours unless directed otherwise by Dr. Aiello. Do not use heat during this time.
- Cold packs can be made by putting crushed ice in a plastic bag. Wrap a damp cloth or towel around the bag and place on your skin. (do not put ice directly on skin.)
- Normally when using cold packs you will go through stages of sensation from cold to burning to aching, then numbness.
DAMP HEAT
Use damp heat 15-20 minutes to affected area at least 2 times per day. Be sure to use a ‘damp heat-approved’ heating pad.
Instructions for ‘damp heat’:
- Wet a towel, ring it out, and place in microwave for a minimum of 10 seconds and apply to affected area.
- Do not use a heating pad (even at low setting) for a long period of time.
- Do not go to bed with a heating pad.
If either cold or heat irritates your condition, discontinue using and contact the doctor asap.
