Ice and eat as a combo therapy are extremely beneficial to aid in the healing process. Cryotherapy may consist of an ice bag, ice massage, or even an ice bath. Each treatment varies between 15-20 minutes depending on the patient’s comfort. The benefit of cryotherapy is that it immediately creates vasoconstriction, decreasing blood flow and decreasing swelling, of the affected areas. It also decreases tissue elasticity to protect the injury.

Conversely, heat therapy is used with a hot pack or warm whirlpool bath for a certain period depending on the severity of the injury. The benefits of heat therapy are the immediate vasodilation of the vessels, which increases blood flow. It also increases tissue elasticity, increasing the range of motion of the affected area.