Ice vs. Heat

Date: Tuesday, 6 November 2007

Let's say you and your training buddy have the same idea at the same time during sparring, and you both end up with identical bumps on your shins.  Do you use heat or ice?

Most people say ice.

Let me tell you something, I've questioned doctors, martial artists, coaches, nurses, physical trainers, and a few others and I've gotten answers, conflicting answers and "I don't knows."

First of all, why use ice?

For effective healing?  Maybe not.  When you get a nice goose egg, it's swollen, tender, a bit hot. (By the way, why does it get warm?  Increased blood flow to an injury?  Okay, but that's an increase of blood, not hotter blood.  I asked an M.D. about this and he said he didn't know, but "it's a good question.)  Anyway, it's warm and ouchy, so ice is soothing.  So we use ice.  That soothing effect may be the real reason ice is favored.

After all, if your throat is death-bed sore, do you want the triple gross cough syrup your mom used to give you in 7th grade . . . or a shot of bourbon, um, with ice?

We're told that, ice reduces inflammation.  But if inflammation is the body's response to an injury, do we really want to discourage that?  If so, why?

But I'm also told that for about the first twenty minutes, ice causes more blood flow as the body tries to counter and keep the iced area warm.  After about twenty minutes, the body begins to shut off that area to prevent heat loss.  So, ice at least 20 minutes or not at all?  Also, if the body is shutting down circulation to the area because of the ice, doesn't that prevent edema from subsiding?

So maybe heat is better after all.

In my next issue, I'll tell you what a recent Japanese study found.

Until then, take care and train like you mean it.

Rob LaPointe
www.kungfufightingtips.com

P.S.  To celebrate a very successful 18th Annual Fall Training Camp (we focused on White Eyebrow Long Staff, and Swimming Dragon Ba Qua) I'm offering my 2 DVD Set "Kung Fu Conditioning" for 1/2 price.  It's normally $69, but for the next 72 hours it's only $34.50.  This DVD Set is the advanced compliment course to my Shaolin Fitness Secrets book.  You can't get the DVD special on line though.  You need to call your order in at (703) 997-2585.  Simply say you're a subscriber and you want the 72 hour special deal on Kung Fu Conditioning.