How Can I Help Myself?
When should I use ice?
When should I use heat?
What is your detox bath salts recipe?
When should I use ice?
If you have been recently injured, your body has experienced trauma. Your body reacts to trauma by increasing blood circulation within the injured areas. This causes your tissues to become inflamed, which causes additional pain. Ice cools the inflammation, reduces swelling and eases your pain.
- Place an icepack on your injured area(s) for 10 -20 minutes.
- You may ice every 20 to 30 minutes for the first 48 hours after the injury and at least three times a day for the first week.
If you are using a bag of frozen vegetables, know that it is only good for six uses. At that point there is a chemical change that keeps it from freezing to a low enough temperature to be useful again.
When should I use heat?
Heat is used for chronic problems.
- Apply heat for 20 minutes twice daily.
- Allow at least one hour between applications.
What is your detox bath salts recipe?
Detox baths help release toxins and promote energy, circulation, and well-being. Here are two of my recipes:
- ½ cup Epsom salts
- ½ cup Baking soda
- ½ cup Sea salt
- A few drops of your favorite essential oil(s), if desired. I like to add two or three drops of peppermint and two or three drops of lavender essential oils.
An alternate recipe, which works better for some patients:
- 2 cups (or more) Apple cider vinegar (not apple cider flavored)
For both of the above recipes:
- Pour all of the salts or all of the vinegar into your bath tub as you turn the water on, and swish it around to dissolve/mix it in.
- Soak for 10 - 20 minutes, and then shower with warm water.