Commercial Drive - East Vancouver Chiropractor; Dr. Dominic Chan DC - " What is Inflammation?"

I get this question a lot in practice and it is, " when do I apply ice? and when do I apply heat?". Well to answer that question, we need to better understand inflammation. Inflammation is actually the body's attempt to heal. Inflammation is a process where the body is attempting to rid itself of harmful materials including damaged cells, pathogens and toxins/irritants. This is a natural and very essential process to healing wounds and injuries. 

There are two basic types of inflammation that can occur; chronic and acute. Chronic inflammation often occurs when the body for some reason, is unable to rid itself of an irritant or pathogen, or an irritant is continuously present. This scenario keeps the inflammatory response engaged and is not allowed to end. These situations would include; asthma, tuberculosis, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

The other scenario, and the one I commonly see in practice is acute inflammation. This will often involve some kind of trauma or injury. A fall, a slip, being hit by something or someone, intense exercise or sports etc. These are often situations when a patient can remember Commercial Drive - East Vancouver Chiropractor; Dr. Dominic Chan DC - " What is Inflammation?exactly what brought the pain on. In these scenarios, the onset of pain and discomfort is quite fast. The pain is likely reported immediately after or 1-3 days following the incident. In the acute phase, the patient will likely experience the hallmarks of inflammation; "PRISH". That would be; Pain, Redness, Inflammation, Swelling and Heat!.

But let me add that acute inflammation may also commonly be associated with bruising as well. In the immediate hours to days following acute inflammation, it would be better for patients to apply ice. (This would be immediately after the injury up to 3-4 days following). This process will address all the components of PRISH. Applying the ice will help to reduce the pain, redness, inflammation, swelling and heat. Ice can also allow the patient to heal from their injuries faster. 

Now conversely, 3-4 days after an injury or if there was no apparent trauma involved, I would recommend my patients apply heat instead. In these situations, patients will report discomfort often associated with stiff and sore muscles. Heat in these situations will help increase circulation so that the muscles can relax better and pain can be reduced. 

Hope this explanation clears things up a little! Remember, if you're in the Commercial Drive neighborhood of East Vancouver, come stop by my office or visit me here;COMMERCIAL DRIVE - EAST VANCOUVER CHIROPRACTOR; DR. DOMINIC CHAN DC!!!