Why is it that you're supposed to use heat on swelling after icing it the first twenty four hours?

Question

I got my wisdom teeth removed yesterday and was just wondering how long I could use Ice for?

Answer 1

Ice will reduce initial swelling, inflamation and pain, but the static blood and fluids congeal, contract and harden with icing, making it harder to disperse later on, thus slowing down the healing process.  If you need to use ice for a little longer use it very carefully, no more than ten minutes in every hour.  This will help reduce the swelling and mimimise the negative side effects.  But please don't use it for longer than you feel is absolutely necessary.

You can also put chi into the affected area through your hands, especially after a chi gong session or similar energy work when it will be heightened in your body.  this will push the circulation through that area and restore a free flow of energy, blood and fluid reducing the pain and encouraging healing.

Answer 2

When there is an injury blood and fluid leak from the capillaries and tissues.  Cold helps to limit this and thus swelling.  After about 24 hours the process stops.  Now you want heat to promote circulation to carry off the fluid and microscopic debris.

I am an RN.