I dont know if it is but i would ask your dr befire using in the meantime alternate between cold (ice) and hot (like a rice bag or heating pad) every 10-20 minutes with breaks in between.
Yes you can use Icy Hot, but follow directs and use only when necessary...i had a pulled muscle in my neck and didnt know, but my doctor and the pharmacy said it was okay to us
My dr said that icy hot is ok just use sparingly and only if necessary