Common Mistake: If I experience an injury (for example: low back strain), I should apply heat or sit in a hot tub when I get home.
Heat helps with stiffness and achiness, but should NOT be used with acute symptoms as it causes swelling and increased symptoms.
- If you have an incident within 24-48 hours DO NOT apply heat.
- Apply heat to general achiness, stiffness and soreness.
- Heat application averages about 10 minutes, and remember to use layers of clothing or towels, as to avoid superficial burns.