Hot vs. Cold Therapy

Hot and cold therapy can be used when recovering from an injury and Dr. Loren Morgan is here to tell you when to use which. If you experience muscle aches, cramps, you may benefit more from heat. On the other hand, if you suffer a sprain, a muscle strain, or a headache, you may benefit more from cold therapy. Allow us to explain why.


Because cold therapy constricts blood vessels and reduces blood flow when applied, it’s best used for acute injuries such as a sprained ankle, muscle tear, bruising, or inflammation as soon as possible. The reduced blood flow limits the amount of fluid around the injury which will reduce swelling over time. If you frequently experience sore, stiff muscles, heat is best used to improve mobility and increase joint elasticity. Heat should be used prior to exercise while cold therapy should be used after an activity. If you’ve recently been injured and are unsure of how to go about treatment, we can help.


If you have questions or concerns regarding chiropractic treatment, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Loren Morgan, in Anchorage, AK, visit www.morganchiropracticak.com for more information.  

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Pinched nerves aren’t just a problem in the back; they can also cause pain and numbness along the arm and shoulder. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is one of the most feared conditions among people whose jobs require them to make repetitive hand motions or expose them to vibration. Because treatments are more effective if it’s caught early, we at Morgan Chiropractic want our patients to be able to recognize it.  The carpal tunnel is a canal in the wrist made up of bones and sturdy connective tissue. Through it runs the median nerve, which travels from the neck to the thumb and first three fingers. If something becomes inflamed and presses down on the carpal tunnel, it will compress the median nerve. This could result in pain, tingling, numbness, or loss of function between the fingers and the shoulder. One distinctive trait of CTS is the sensation of shocks traveling up the arm. Tingling in the fingers is often the first sign of CTS. While people can reduce their risk of it developing fur
Read more

Spinal Curvature in the Elderly

One of the most visible back ailments the spinal curvature that often appears in older people. Although common, this condition is not natural. We at Morgan Chiropractic in Anchorage want our patients to understand the value of preventive care. With proper nutrition and exercise, it is possible to keep the back strong and supportive throughout life. An overly rounded upper back is referred to as “kyphosis.” There are several potential causes, including infections and blockages. But in the elderly, the likeliest cause is osteoporosis. In people over fifty, the bones may begin losing density. This is a condition called osteopenia. Bones are living tissue, constantly being resorbed and rebuilt, but in people with osteopenia, the rate of resorption has outpaced the rate of new growth. When osteopenia develops into osteoporosis, the bones have developed enough gaps to resemble a honeycomb. Weakened bones are at risk of developing tiny fractures. These breaks might not even be noticeable to t
Read more

What is a Slipped Disc?

Slipped discs are such a common injury it’s unsurprising we see a lot of them at Morgan Chiropractic in Anchorage. Usually the accumulative result of wear and tear, slipped discs are one of the leading causes of missed work and back pain. However, we offer safe treatments and tips for prevention. With the exception of the atlas and axis vertebrae at the top of the spinal column, each of the vertebrae are separated by a spongy disc. These discs are made up of fibrous rings with a gelatinous center. They function as shock absorbers that are flexible enough to allow the spine to bend. A slipped disc, also known as a herniated or ruptured disc, is one that has become misshapen, and the gelatinous center may be pushing the fibrous ring out of place or have broken through it. This will make the disc far less effective at absorbing shocks and may result in pain and inflammation, particularly if the protrusion compresses a nerve. Slipped discs don’t always cause pain, but when they occur in th
Read more