Balance Physical Therapy

How often do you apply heat therapy to a chronic sports injury?

I've been looking on internet but can't find an answer to this question. I know that you're supposed to apply heat therapy for 15-20 minutes, I just don't know many times a day, and how long you should wait until you apply it again. Please give me sources for your answers. Thanks very much in advance.

Public Comments

1. when you feel you need it. since it's chronic, get an evaluation by a doctor to rule out a serious injury.
2. It's still controversial whether you should apply heat AT ALL to an injury. If it truly is a chronic injury, then applying heat before any strenuous activity involving the muscle/joint is beneficial as it increases local blood flow. But really, you should only apply heat when absolutely necessary.