Ice
The usage of ice to manage inflammation is not supported by scientific literature, due to the fact that it diminishes circulation and actually leads to a decrease in normal tissue healing. The principle effect of ice is as an analgesic, where it cools the affected region and provides relief. Although it is a temporary effect, you may apply ice intermittently to help relieve an injury. You can get more information in our previous article Lets Demystify : Ice to manage inflammation?
Heat
Applying heat to an area of the body that is in pain can provide relief. Heat can help diminish muscular spasms and decrease painful signals going to the brain (?). Tissues that are warmed up by increasing blood flow or by external heat have improved mobility. Heat can improve our comfort in these greater ranges of movement.
It is important to understand that neither ice nor heat have an significant effect on tissue healing, but that if these modalities provide relief, there is no reason not to use them!
