andydaddario@gmail.com
(616) 490-7766

Andy D’Addario, LPC

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January 26, 2021 by Andy D'Addario

Heat VS Ice: When to Use One Over the Other

Injuries happen. There are those injuries that are severe enough we instantly know a trip to the ER is necessary. And then there are those times we twist an ankle or knee and a trip to the ER doesn’t seem necessary, and so we decide to treat the injury ourselves.

Usually, after an injury, a person, or their loved one, goes to the freezer to get ice to put on the affected site. But is this ALWAYS the way an injury should be treated?

No. The truth is, there is a time and place for icing an injury. But there is also a time and a place for using heat on an injury. And it’s important to know when to use what to ensure you can recover fully and as quickly as possible.
Let’s take a look at when to use ice and when to use heat.

Icing an Injury

Ice treatments should be used in the case of an acute – or sudden – injury. When you twist that ankle, it is going to begin to swell. This is because the body uses acute inflammation to heal the wound. While inflammation is important for the healing process if left unchecked, an acute injury can be incredibly painful and lead to disability.

It is usually recommended that within the first 48 hours of sustaining an injury, you ice the area to reduce swelling, pain, and alleviate muscle spasms. It should be noted that ice can also be beneficial in treating chronic conditions such as tendinitis and bursitis. “Itis” on the end of a word signifies inflammation, and so ice can work to decrease inflammation with these conditions as well.

To ice an injury safely, never place ice or ice packs directly on the skin. Always use a cloth barrier such as a thin towel or T-shirt. Don’t hold the ice in one area for too long, but move it around the area every few minutes to avoid frostbite. And finally, never ice an injury for more than 15 minutes. Ice, then leave it alone for an hour or so, then ice again, and repeat like that throughout the first 48 hours.

Heat Treatment

Heat is typically used to treat a chronic condition such as muscle strain. The heat helps to relax soft tissues and stimulate blood flow to the area. In general, heat should be used for what is called an “overuse” injury, not an acute one. When you overuse your back or shoulders or neck, you are left with tight, strained muscles.

To use heat safely to treat muscle pain, you may use a heated towel or electric heating pad, or one of those microwaveable bags filled with rice. Be careful not to overheat the item, moderate heat works best. And do not use heat for extended periods of time. 15-20 minutes will work wonders.

When Is It Time to See a Chiropractor for Your Injury?

There are those times when a twisted ankle or a strained back takes a long time to heal. If you have suffered either an acute injury or have a chronic injury from overuse, then it is time to see a chiropractor. A chiropractor will evaluate your injury and determine what the underlying reason may be that the injury just isn’t healing. Ongoing treatments will help to not only heal the injury but reduce painful symptoms.

If you are currently suffering from an injury and would like some relief, please call or stop by our office for a free evaluation.

 

SOURCES:

  • https://www.reboundmd.com/news/when-ice-or-heat-injury
  • https://www.verywellhealth.com/ice-or-heat-2548807
  • https://www.thejoint.com/nevada/las-vegas/eastern-and-richmar-36005/251734-best-time-to-see-chiropractor

Filed Under: Chiropractic

July 15, 2020 by Andy D'Addario

Ergonomic Tips for Continuing to Work from Home After Coronavirus

Many of us have found ourselves working from home because of the coronavirus. And while the country has slowly begun to open back up, threats of a “second wave” have emerged, which means a majority of us could be working from home for the foreseeable future.

Working from home may be helping us all save on gas expenses, but it sure is putting a crimp in many backs and necks! That’s because many people working from home did not have a dedicated home office to begin with. And so we find ourselves working in less than ideal ergonomic situations as we work on sofas, bookshelves and on top of our beds.

With this in mind, here are some ergonomic tips to help your body feel more comfortable working from home:

Use a Separate Monitor

Looking down all day at your laptop screen can really hurt your neck. You ideally want to be looking straight ahead. If you have a desktop home computer, use this instead of your laptop as it will help you look straight ahead while working. If you don’t, consider getting a monitor that you can attach to your laptop so you can keep your head elevated.

External Keyboards and Mouse

If another larger monitor is not within your budget, consider getting an external wireless keyboard and mouse. This will allow you to use your laptop as a monitor and raise it using a laptop riser or stack of books while you type and control the screen separately.

Invest in a Better Chair

You ideally want a chair that offers cushioning and is height adjustable. Keep in mind you get what you pay for. While not everyone can afford a $1600 Aeron chair, suitable ones can be purchased for $200 – $300. Also, keep in mind that work-related chairs and desks are tax-deductible.

Move Your Body

Your body shouldn’t be seated all day long. It’s important to get up every half hour and move around. Do some stretching and take some nice deep breaths. If you get easily caught up in your work, then use an app reminder such as UP or Stand Up.

Visit a Chiropractor

If, after following these guidelines, your body still feels sore, it may be time to visit your local chiropractor. They will be able to tailor a program to deal with your specific physical issues.

If you are in the area and would like to work with a chiropractor to get your body feeling better, give us a call or stop by our office. We can tailor a treatment plan for your specific needs.

 

SOURCES:

  • https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2020-04-02/stiff-and-sore-due-to-wfh-an-ergonomics-expert-offers-tips-on-staying-healthy-while-sheltering-in-place
  • https://viewpoint.libertymutualgroup.com/article/working-from-home-ergonomic-checklist/

Filed Under: Chiropractic

Andy D’Addario



(616) 490-7766
andydaddario@gmail.com

122 W Superior St
Wayland, MI 49348



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122 W Superior St
Wayland, MI 49348

(616) 490-7766
andydaddario@gmail.com

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