• Increased extensibility of collagen
• Decreased joint stiffness
• Reduced pain
• Relief of muscle spasms
• Reduced inflammation
• Reduced edema
• Reduced exudates and increased blood flow
  

Heat combined with traction or stretching the tissue during or immediately after the treatment, the muscle fibrosis, contracted joint capsule, or scar tissue can increase in extensibility resulting in increase in range of motion and decrease in pain. Heat affects collagen tissue by increasing the viscous flow of collagen fibers; tension is thereby relaxed. Heat can be used to alleviate pain. Muscle spasm caused by ischemia can be relieved by heat, which increases blood flow to the area of injury. Patients at our office receive moist heat via the use of a Hydrocollator pack. This particular heat modality works by conduction. Moist heat packs are useful in producing general relaxation in the patient and reduce pain/spasm cycle. This is most effective on superficial muscles and ligaments.

ICE / CRYOTHERAPY
Ice is a common modality used in both acute and rehabilitative stages of injury.

PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS

• Vasoconstriction and therefore decrease in secretions and or exudation. (Decrease in circulation).
• Decrease muscle spasms
• Decrease in metabolism
• Decrease inflammatory effects
• Decrease pain

In an acute injury ice minimizes secondary trauma by the following physiological effects.

• Decrease blood flow which will, in turn, decrease inflammation
• Decrease temperature of surrounding inflamed tissue
• Decrease metabolism/chemical cellular actions such as excessive scar tissue formation, which ultimately will reduce adhesions in damage tissue
• Decrease the demand for oxygen, nutrients, which will result in cells less likely to die due to lack of circulation

EFFECTS ON INFLAMMATION

• Decrease hemorrhage (Bleeding)
• Decrease edema (Swelling)
• Decrease histamine release (Major cause of inflammation)
• Increase lymphatic drainage due to the increase in the extra vascular fluids. (Reduces fluids in the damage area and allows for healing to take place faster).

WORKS CONSULTED
Arnheim. Modern Principle of Athletic Training. Times Mirror/Mosby. 1989.McDonald, D.C. C.C.R.D., K. Lee Lundgren, A.T.C., Heather A. Thieme, M.A, A.T.C. Guide to Therapeutic Modalities. 1992. The ACA Journal of Chiropractic ., June 1975. Physiotherapy Guidelines WORKS CONSULTED Prentice, Wm. Therapeutic Modalities in Sports Medicine. Times Mirror/Mosby, 1987. McDonald, M. D.C. Heather Thieme, M.A. A.T.C. Therapeutic Modalities. ACA Journal of Chiropractic, June 1975. Physiotherapy Guidelines for the Chiropractic Profession.