On The Side: Reach For The Ice

When most people hurt themselves they usually reach for a hot pack, but you should never put heat on a new injury.
 
Heat increases the blood flow to the area resulting in increased swelling. Once the heat is removed, the accumulated fluid remains behind because movement, which is reduced in the case of injuries, is necessary to force this excess fluid out of the region.
 
For this reason, icing a new injury is recommended. This will cool the area and constrict the tissues forcing any excess fluids out. If you feel you must heat an injury, then you need to ice the area immediately afterwards.
 
While icing don’t forget to follow the rules: fifteen minutes on and with a two hour gap before using it again, if needed. Always use at least one towel layer between you and the ice. Finally, you can rest against the ice, but never have your full weight on top of it.