beneficial treatments during the acute phase of an injury (24 to 72 hours following the injury). The reason ice is so much more beneficial than heat at treating injuries is because of our bodys natural homeostatic mechanism for maintaining body temperature. The difference between normal core body temperature and ice is somewhere around 65ºF, whereas the difference between normal core body temperature and heat is only about 10ºF. To restore normal core body temperature, a longer duration of increased circulation is required in an area that has had ice applied than in an area that has had heat applied. In addition to increased circulation, the delivery of oxygen and nutrients, as well as removal of waste products, also increase.
 
People may not like to use ice because it is initially uncomfortable, and the discomfort often becomes worse before numbness sets in. When undergoing an ice treatment the client will usually experience certain sensations as the ice is working. First, the client will feel the cold stimulus. Second, the client will feel a slight burning (this is OK, its completely natural and the client is encouraged to endure). Third, the client will feel aching. Lastly, the area will feel numb. For some people this process may be slightly different, in some cases it can take up to 20 minutes to achieve numbness, while others can go quicker. It is best to keep open communication with the therapist during the treatment. If the client has Raynauds Phenomenon or any other circulatory deficiencies, ice treatments are contraindicated.
 
Cold Hydrotherapy:

• Reduces Circulation (with prolonged use)

• Reduces acute inflammation

• Reduces Swelling (edema)

• Reduces Muscle spasm via reduction of muscle spindle activity

• Reduces Nerve sensation and pain

• Reduces Metabolism

• Reduces Tissue damage

• Reduces Local oxygen supply

• Increase Circulation and vasodilatation (with short use)

• Increase Urine production
 
Heat Therapy Heat applied for 5 minutes or less stimulates circulation by promoting vasodilatation, which brings more oxygen and nutrients to the tissue and carries away lymphatic fluid and cellular waste. The increased oxygen can reduce muscle spasm, relieve muscle tension, and provide pain relief by breaking the pain cycle. Collagen fibers soften with heat, which increases tissue flexibility and range of motion. Heat application used in the subacute phase of injury (72 hours to 6 weeks following the injury) increases blood flow and promote healing in the injured area. In the chronic phase, which occurs between 6 weeks and 1 year after the injury, heat can be applied to tissues as long as the tissues are not swollen because heat can increase edema. As the heat increases the temperature of the underlying tissues, cellular activity increases and immune functions can be enhanced.
 
Interestingly, when heat is applied longer than 5 minutes, circulation decreases. The tissues get congested with prolonged exposure to heat because, although vasodilatation delivers more blood to an area, the venous and lymphatic flows are not equally enhanced. Unless there is enough muscular activity to encourage these flows toward the heart, you must use a cold application after long applications of heat. The cold temperatures help the blood and lymphatic vessels constrict to their normal size and return circulation to normal.
 
Heat Therapy:

• Reduces Pain

• Reduces stiffness and soreness

• Reduces superficial fascia tightness

• Increases vasodilatation

• Increases local blood flow/circulation (facilitates healing)

• Increases oxygen absorption

• Increases metabolism

• Increases relaxation

• Increases joint range of motion

• Increases sweating, creating cooling effect of the body
 
Contrast Therapy Contrast

Therapy, involves the application of heat followed by the application of cold or ice. By alternating vasodilatation and vasoconstriction, contrast therapy is beneficial for reducing pain, promoting healing, and enhancing immune function. As long as you take into account the clients sensitivity, overall health, and make sure there are no contraindications for applications of either heat or cold, you can safely apply recommended contrast therapy.

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Works Cited
Braun, Mary Beth., and Stephanie J. Simonson. Introduction to Massage Therapy. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2005. Print.