Patients tend to ask what the difference is between applying ice or heat to their area of concern.

When joints become misaligned, the area becomes inflamed which increases blood flow to the affected area. Our chiropractors recommend the 10/10/10 icing procedure to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

  • Apply ice to the affected area for 10 minutes
  • Remove ice for 10 minutes
  • Apply again for 10 minutes
  • Remove for 1 hour
  • Repeat the 10/10/10 procedure one more time
The purpose of applying the ice is to reduce the excess blood to the area. By applying and removing for periods of 10 minutes and 1 hour, it creates a flushing effect, removing all the toxins and waste while promoting healthy new blood to assist with the healing.

Ice has other effects also. It numbs the area which reduces pain and tenderness. It also causes a contraction of the surrounding ligaments and muscles, thus providing stability to the joint so the adjustment lasts longer.

The application of heat to the area has the opposite effect. It promotes more blood to the area which then leads to more inflammation and tissue damage, with less healing. Imagine applying heat to an already swollen sprained ankle!