Recently there’s been some controversy with regards to icing when injury takes place. The question that raises this controversy is: Does the body do an effective job of self-regulation, or is it’s response to inflammation excessive, causing additional damage to surrounding tissues? According to several studies, ice in the first 48 hours is still appropriate when inflammation is present. There are five cardinal signs of inflammation including redness, heat, pain, swelling, and loss of function. The acronym P.O.L.I.C.E stands for Protection, Optimal loading, Ice, Compression and Elevation. It takes a knowledgeable professional to determine what optimal loading is, based upon the area of injury, degree of damage, activity to be resumed, and many other factors. So the next time you sustain such an injury, slap on the ice and slip into your local physiotherapy clinic so that we can help optimize your recovery!

Susanne Robson BMR(PT)
www.prairietrailphysio.ca