Muscle pain/ strain - Heat or Cold?

[Lord Tyrion]

I seem to have strained a muscle in my shoulder / base on my neck. I thought I had slept oddly on it but it has been getting worse so it must be more than that. Today it is very painful. I am popping Ibuprofen, simple, but online sites suggest either heat or cold. What do people find more effective for muscle pain? Do I go hot water bottle or ice pack?

 

[Cue_147]

Cold - Reduce swelling
Heat - Increase swelling

Biofreeze is really good

 

[Lord Tyrion]

Cheers, that is what I was looking for. The shame is that hot is more comfy than cold but frankly anything is better than what I have now so the discomfort will be worth it.

 

[User62651]

For what you describe I would think heat was better to increase blood flow and loosen up the tightness, long hot shower and gently roll your head around, shrug shoulders etc to stretch out the kinks!

 

[Hosel Fade]

Voltarol

 

[guest100718]

2 ibuprofen and man up.

 

[Lord Tyrion]

I've had 4 ibuprofen and I still look like Kryten when I turn to speak to someone. My whole body has to turn. I used deep heat on it last night and my wife was less than impressed when I got into bed! I'll try some stretching tonight and man up, shuffles away, head down............