Many patients wonder: Should I use heat or ice after a chiropractic adjustment? The answer depends on your symptoms and the stage of healing. Whether you’re dealing with inflammation, stiffness, or soreness, applying the right therapy can make a big difference in your recovery.

At Bradford House Chiropractic Clinic, we guide our patients through the best ways to support healing between visits. Here’s what the research and our clinical experience say about managing post-adjustment discomfort.

Ice or Heat After Manual Therapy: What Science Says

Both heat and ice can be effective after chiropractic care, but timing is everything. Understanding your body’s response helps determine the best approach.

Use Ice for Acute Pain or Inflammation

If you’ve just had your first adjustment or are dealing with a recent injury, ice is your friend. Cold therapy helps by:

Reducing inflammation and swelling
Slowing nerve conduction to relieve pain
Constricting blood vessels to limit fluid buildup

Clinical insight: A combination of cryotherapy and cervical mobilisations has been shown to improve neck pain more than stretching alone. Apply ice for 15–20 minutes every 2 hours within the first 6–12 hours after treatment.

Use Heat for Chronic Pain or Muscle Tension

For longer-standing discomfort, muscle tightness, or joint stiffness, heat is generally more effective. Benefits include:

Increasing blood flow
Relaxing muscle tissue
Reducing tension and stiffness

Best Recovery Method After Chiropractic Treatment

There’s no one-size-fits-all rule. The best recovery method after chiropractic treatment depends on your specific condition. Here are some general guidelines:

Acute injury or flare-up: Stick to ice for the first 24 hours
Chronic tightness or stiffness: Use moist heat for 15–20 minutes
General soreness or delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS): Start with ice, then switch to heat after 24 hours

In some cases, your chiropractor may recommend contrast therapy—alternating heat and ice—to stimulate circulation and break pain cycles.

How to Reduce Soreness After Chiropractic Adjustment

Soreness after an adjustment is normal, especially if it’s your first time or if manual therapy involved deep tissue work. To reduce soreness after a chiropractic adjustment:

Apply ice within the first 24 hours if you feel inflammation or tenderness
Use heat after 24 hours to relax tight muscles and improve mobility
Stay hydrated to help flush out toxins released during the adjustment
Do light movement or stretching to maintain circulation without overexerting

Post-Chiropractic Care Tips for Long-Term Relief

Supporting your adjustment at home leads to better long-term results. Here are some of the best post-chiropractic care tips to follow:

Follow your care plan: Keep up with scheduled visits for sustained improvement
Listen to your body: Don’t push through pain—adjust your routine as needed
Use recovery tools: Foam rollers, hot packs, or cold wraps can help extend the benefits of your session
Ask your chiropractor: Personalised guidance ensures you’re using the right therapy for your condition

When in Doubt, Ask a Professional

Still unsure whether to apply heat or ice? That’s where professional advice comes in. At Bradford House Chiropractic Clinic, we tailor recovery plans based on your condition, treatment response, and daily lifestyle. While general tips are helpful, individualized care ensures you recover faster and feel better longer.

Book your next appointment today, and let us help you stay aligned, pain-free, and informed every step of the way.