Get Virtual Care
For Businesses
About Us
A member asked:
Would ice/heat therapy help relieve a strained sternum?
6 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Try: I do not know how severe is the lesion in your sternum. Assuming is not serious...In general ice or heat (topical) works as antiinflammatory. Inmediately to injuries we prefer cold so if there is any bleeding will stop. After few hours heat or warmth is the most common anti inflammatory but some people prefer cold. Make sure there is nothing else like rib fractures or any other pathology. Part 2.
Answered 7/5/2012
6.1k views
Maybe: There's no harm in trying. I generally find ice to be more effective if an acute injury. Apply for 20 minutes 3-5 times/day in the first week. Be careful applying directly to the skin, as frostbite may occur.
Answered 4/11/2013
5.2k views
Related Questions
A member asked:
Does shockwave therapy heal Sesamoiditis? I have tried custom orthotics, ice, heat, time off, etc?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
Bad chest pain where 3-4th ribs meet sternum both sides. Ice helps. No redness/swelling. When will this go away? prob a strain so why bother go to dr?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
Had plantar fasciitis for about 15-16 weeks. I do ice, stretch, nightsplints, massage therapy, exercises, heat, rest, good shoes, custom orthotics? What else
9 doctors weighed in across 5 answers
A member asked:
Can you run through shin splints? I have taken 3 weeks off from running, went to physical therapy, tried ice, heat, compression and new shoes.
7 doctors weighed in across 4 answers
People also searched for:
I have Costochondritis from years of working out. Went a little too heavy last Friday. Having sternum pain hurts to the touch and in occasion hurts when I cough. Even lying down makes it worse. Ice or heat therapy for it?
This has been ongoing for 2.5 years. There is a burning session (newer) within my joints (knees, elbows, fingers, toes). Physical therapy, rest, and more have not relieved the chest/sternum pain.
Pain, limited ROM in left shoulder for over 2 mos. Physical therapy, ice and heat but not getting better. Have xrays attached but no report.
What's best for wrist tendinitis, heat or ice therapy?
Is it a good idea to continue icing during physical therapy or should I transfer to heat? If yes to ice, should I do it before or after rehab session?
Didn't find what you're looking for?
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.
Ask your questionMore of what we treat
Download HealthTap
Video visit and message your doctor
