Feldman Files finale

Top-5 injuries + heat vs. ice

In the final (Part 4) edition of the Feldman Files, we asked Justin two very straightforward questions. In both cases, Justin gave very succinct answers.

Justin did a great job of avoiding a controversial “hot take” (pun intended!) on the benefits of heat vs. ice, or vice versa. Many in the running community have passionate opinions on either or both. Justin’s neutral stance? There is no correct (or incorrect!) answer.

Thanks to Justin Feldman for his thorough answers to my many questions. Hopefully, you were able to glean some knowledge and expertise along the way.

In your practice, what are the top-5 most common running injuries you treat?

Top five running injuries: I think some of this might depend on the age of the runners. However, I think:

1. Knee pain

2. Achilles injuries

3. Hip pain

4. Low back pain

5. Plantar fascia or foot pain

Last question: Heat or ice?!?! Entire book chapters have been written about THIS debate ...

Oh boy, I feel like this is kind of similar to jumping into a political debate.

What I tell people about heat or ice is that neither heat nor ice is going to help you heal faster or get better. If one of them makes you feel better and you prefer the way one makes you feel, then go for it.

While there’s not a huge benefit from a healing perspective to heat or ice, there is a benefit to feeling good and having a little bit of relief from whatever you’re feeling.

If one of them gives you a little bit of relief, then that’s great. Go for it and you do you. Don’t feel pressure to do either of them if you don’t feel a gigantic benefit from either one.

Justin Feldman, PT, DPT - Founded Feldman Physical Therapy and Performance in 2013. Now, I get to work with a team of 4 amazing therapists who all share my vision and mission of providing high-level care to professional athletes and the everyday athletes of the Hudson Valley. A lifelong athlete, I went on to row in college and moved into running and triathlon after grad school. I opened Feldman PT and Performance to create an environment where therapists can focus on their patients’ needs and help them create a plan to achieve their goals, improve their performance, and prevent future injuries.