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CONTROL LOCAL CIRCULATION TO SPEED UP HEALING:

ACUTE PHASE: (first 2 to 4 days)

To reduce blood flow to the injured area:

• Use cold for 10 – 20 minutes every few hours to decrease blood flow.
• Relative rest of the injured area but movement is usually beneficial if pain free.
• Compression and elevation if swelling or bruising is evident.

SUBACUTE AND CHRONIC PHASE: (after 2 to 4 days)

To increase blood flow to the injured area:

• Use cold for 30 minutes or longer.
• Or use heat for 30 minutes or longer.
• Or use contrast bath. (Alternate hot and cold 3 minutes each for 30 minutes or more).
• Massage.
• Mobilize and stretch.