Ice Therapy Part 1: The Limited Time Method

I am not a Physician.  However, I get lots of questions from people who hurt themselves in the gym or health club setting.  The common injury that many ask about is pulled or strained muscles.  While I tell these people they should get it checked 99% won't and try something on their own like Heat Therapy which usually isn't the best option.  Also, when I tell them about ideal Ice Therapy options (Cryogenic Therapy) they avoid it because it takes too long (20-minutes).

Since time is valuable, below are directions for my "Limited Time" Ice Therapy option. 

1. Freeze some paper Dixie Cups (6-12 total)
2. Take the frozen Dixie Cup and rub it in a circular pattern on the sore muscle
3. Do this for 5-minutes (No more, no less)
4. Ideally try to do it multiple times/day and people I know have had great results applied the ice 5-minutes right before and after they showered (Two quick, convenient times with no mess as the melted ice goes into the drain)

Next time you think you pulled something take a week off from training that muscle and try the above as it works 90% of the time!

This post is not intended for the treatment or prevention of disease, nor as a substitute for medical treatment, nor as an alternative to medical advice. Use of recommendations in this and other articles is at the choice and risk of the reader.