Costochondritis

[Steven Low]

Originally Posted by Chad Cilli

Did you see Yael posted a link to Robb Wolf about how ice may actually slow healing?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/he...w-healing.html

Don't get carried away. Ice has it's place, but it is overused in a lot of cases.

Research has "showed" this stuff for years. It's nothing new.

That's why you only use it if you feel it's helping.

[Garrett Smith]

If ice helps, use it. I prefer ice water baths, personally.

The thing I'm definitely not sure about (and that the study points to IIRC) is that ice applied soon after an acute injury may retard healing. With chronic injuries, this may be a whole different matter.

The whole foundation of hydrotherapy lies on the use of cold water treatments, FYI.

[Chad Cilli]

Yeah, I definitely think ice has its place. I'm not swearing off of ice or anything. I just agree that sometimes heat works better for somethings.

Dr. G, have you seen these http://www.betterbraces.com/aircast-ankle-cryo-cuff

I believe it actually keeps the water moving through and cools it. It's like cold water without having to fill up a tub.

[Garrett Smith]

Yeah, I've seen that. It's a super expensive tub where you don't have to move your foot every minute or so to get new cold water next to the skin. :-)

[Chad Cilli]

Originally Posted by Garrett Smith

Yeah, I've seen that. It's a super expensive tub where you don't have to move your foot every minute or so to get new cold water next to the skin. :-)

Hahaha, exactly! I like the way you put it though. The convenience seems worth it though. Especially when your dog keeps coming over and trying to drink out of your bucket of ice water, and you're sitting there with your foot in the bucket trying to get him to go away.