Icing?

[imgetinold]

I notice that many folks farther along than I routinely ice.

I may not be as active as those, but last week I:

Hiked 4 miles on Sunday.
Did 30 minutes elliptical Monday morning and walked 2 miles at lunch.
Did 45 minutes on the exercise bike Tuesday morning.
Walked several miles through airports on Wed. and Thurs.

I haven't really iced since, maybe, 3-4 weeks post op.  I haven't felt the need to, nor have I felt swelling.  Should I be icing anyway?  Is icing something that should be done prophylactically after exercise to prevent issues?

Just curious.

[johnd_emd]

I elect to ice as it does help with any inflamation and pain at this point.  I'm only 6 weeks out, and I'm sure I'm pushing the envelope on activity.  But, icing also stimulates circulation, which stimulates healing.  So, even if you may not be feeling any pain or swelling (inflamation), icing still could be very beneficial as the healing process is still going to take a long time; even if we don't feel it.  We'll be healing from this for a long time. 

[David]

I'm at a little over 6 months and am still icing.  Not everyday, but usually immediately after a hard workout.  Much better than popping ibuprofen for any soreness and does the same for alleviating minor pain and inflammation.
Are you on that bike outside yet John?
I did a nice 40 miler today...strength and consistency are returning!

[Kiwi]

I'm nearly at 4 months post op and should be icing more than I have been of late. I tend to get swelling still and there's a chance my bursitis could / has come back, so personally I need to be more vigilant with the ice - even at this stage.

[johnd_emd]

Never hurts to Ice.  Probably good at our ages anyway; especially after we work out.  I'll keep doing it after workouts for the first year probably.