Ice or heat?

lbonga1 · July 2014

I've had a big increase in pelvic pain recently...basically it feels like that ligament/tendon/whateveritis in my groin is tearing, and the outside of my hips are achy. So should I ice those areas or use a heating pad? What say you, fellow third tri sufferers?

MrsKasel10 · July 2014

My chiro won't put heat on me because I am pregnant. Definitely ICE! You don't want baby to get too hot which is what could happen if your internal temp gets too high with the heat.

Marchie1214 · July 2014

I second the moist heat

conradraging · July 2014

I would say alternating is the best way to go. That way you won't overheat and it's the best for any muscular pain.

wrightpalomo · July 2014

Ice is awesome because it reduces swelling. Heat is great because it increases blood flow- which you need to repair damaged tissue. It's common to alternate between the two, but I don't enjoy switching directly from ice to heat- maybe a couple of rotations throughout the day. My OB has no problem with me using a heating pad. If you're concerned about raising your internal temp you can always take your temperature while you're using the heating pad to make sure you stay in a safe range.

ETA: Make sure you don't put ice or the heating pad directly on your skin and don't leave either in place for more than 20 minutes at a time- otherwise you can damage your skin (either by freezing the tissue or giving yourself burns)

MrsLaLaBug · July 2014

I'd say a mixture of both - heating pad is always nice for relaxing muscles!

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