Clean Run - October 2020 - 27

Alternatives to Ice

Carolyn with a client.

Inflammation is a desirable process the body uses to heal itself.
However, with inflammation comes
the by-product of swelling. Too
much swelling can be a bad thing,
so learning how to clear swelling
from the area of an injury is a way
you can help your dog in the healing process. Some of the particles
found in inflammation fluid are too
large to move through the vessels of the circulatory system and
instead must move through the
lymphatic system.
The lymphatic system is comprised of lymph nodes and lymph
vessels that drain fluid from the
body's tissues. The lymphatic system, however, is a passive system
reliant on muscle activation. So,
movement is necessary to propel
fluid through these vessels. By sitting and icing an injury, we work
against the body's natural processes for dealing with an injury!
So, what else can we use to help
reduce pain and swelling?
* Heat: Low levels of heat to the
muscles around the injury (not
directly on the injury) can help
relax neighboring tense muscles
and increase circulation. By
managing the tissue around an
injury, we can minimize compensation issues.

* Laser: Cold laser stimulates healing
via low levels of lights. Body tissues
will absorb this light, and it will cause a
physiological reaction in the cells that
promotes regeneration. Laser treatment increases cell growth and metabolic activity in the cells. While cold
laser does decrease inflammation, its
primary function is so much more, and
it works with the body's natural process
to speed up healing, not against it.

Isometric exercises promote
* Compression: Part of the original
circulation and avoid aggravating
RICE protocol, compression can help
the tissue of the injury.
by adding pneumatic pressure that creates a pumping effect at the injury site. This pumping effect mimics the
body's natural muscle movements and helps reduce swelling and fluid
buildup and increases arterial blood flow. Remember, you don't want
the compression to be too tight as this can cut off circulation. Monitor
the area around the compression bandage. If you see swelling below
the affected area, you may have applied the bandage too tightly.

* Keep moving: Movement is medicine, and by activating the lymphatic
system, we can reduce swelling around the area of injury! Isometric exercises (a form of exercise involving the static contraction of a muscle
without any visible movement in the angle of the joint) is a great way to
introduce controlled movement and promote circulation that also avoids
aggravating the tissue of the injury.
* Consult a professional: Seek out the help of a health care provider to
discuss acute pain management strategies.
So, what does this mean for you? You can use ice on your dog for temporary pain relief, but recognize that it won't affect swelling, function, or
range of motion. The best strategy to reduce swelling is simply to wait it
out, and let your dog's body do exactly what it was designed to do

References
Berra, Lindsay. "The Cold Hard Truth About Icing Your Injuries." Mens
Health (Nov 2019).
Bleakley C, McDonough S, MacAuley D. The use of ice in the treatment
of acute soft-tissue injury: a systematic review of randomized controlled
trials. Am J Sport Med. 2004; 32:251 261.
Bleakely, C., et al. Cryotherapy for acute ankle sprains: a randomized
controlled study of two different icing protocols. Br J Sports Med. 2006;
August 40(8):700-5; discussion 705.
Dubois, Blaise and Jean-Francois Esculier. «Soft tissue injuries need
PEACE & LOVE,» Br J Sports Med. (2019).
Jam, B. Questioning the use of ICE given inflammation is a perfectly
healthy response following acute musculoskeletal injuries. (May 2014).
Advanced Physical Therapy Education Institute. D

Carolyn McIntyre owns a canine rehab practice in Erin, Ontario, Canada (McIntyre Canine Rehabilitation) which specializes in helping canine athletes reach superior
physical performance while minimizing or preventing injuries. Carolyn offers both in-person consults as well as online sport-specific conditioning training. She was
the canine physio practitioner for the 2019 and 2020 Canadian agility team that competed at the IFCS World Agility Championships. Carolyn has a Master of Science
in Physiotherapy and her Diploma of Canine Rehabilitation through the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. Carolyn trains and competes in a number of dog sports
with her Aussie Quinn and her Shelties Fifty, Shades, and Keeper. Carolyn can be reached at carolyn@mcrehabilitation.ca.
October 20 | Clean Run

Clean Run - October 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Clean Run - October 2020