"I personally recommend patients refrain from using heat if swelling or redness is already present in the area affected.  If none is present, you may use whichever you typically respond best to.  If unsure, try 10 mins. of heat, followed by 10 mins. of cold, followed by a 10 minute rest and feel which one seems the most comfortable with your body type. The link below gives further details on how to and effects."  - Joey Proznik, RMT

https://www.mungerpt.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Hot-and-cold-When-to-use-it.pdf