hot pads during recovery

[papadop]

 Pre.-surgery, bone-on-bone hip discomfort was reduced by applying hot-pad.

Post surgery discomfort is caused for different reasons - is hot-pad useful or harmful for reducing discomfort?

M.

[Pat Walter]

Hi

Normally all the doctors I know suggest ice packs after surgery and during post op recovery for pain and for swelling.

It would probably be best to ask you doctor if you want to use hot pads.  Always good to know what your doctor thinks.

Good Luck.

Pat

[TomBuell]

I have heard from several doctors and physical therapists that heating pads are not really helpful at any time for bone or muscle pain. In fact they may delay recovery and not help to reduce swelling.
Ice packs may not always be comfortable but they can make a huge difference in reducing swelling and speeding up recovery. I never use heating pads.
- Tom

[takilasunrise]

Yes, I was told to ice up!  And it did help!  Your goal is to keep the swelling down which is accomplised by icing.  I took the advice off this forum/website to use a bag of frozen peas!  I bought a couple bags (cheapest the store had) and interchanged them.  Worked great and minimal moisture mess! 

[Big Bill]

Hi ...no heat pads for me ....ICE IS NICE  !!!!

                Big BILL, Cormet Anterior Surface Hippy (C.A.S.H.)