Cryotherapy, Cold Therapy
What does Cold Do? What is Cryotherapy?
Pain and muscle spasms are common responses to injury. Tendons and ligaments are tissues that connect muscles and bones to each other and to other tissues. The basic building material of muscles, tendons, and ligaments is a protein called collagen. Under normal conditions, collagen acts like a rubber band: It stretches when tension is applied (as when we pull a rubber band) and returns to its normal length when the tension is released. However, when the collagen is stretched too far, it tears. In this tearing process, blood vessels are torn and blood cells and fluid escape into the spaces among the muscle fibers. This is sometimes visible on the surface of the skin as a swollen, bruised area.
Cold applied to the area decreases the flow of this fluid into the tissues and slows the release of chemicals that cause pain and inflammation. Cold decreases feeling in an area by reducing the ability of the nerve endings to conduct impulses. It may also reduce pain by "countering" the injury. For example, you might counter the pain of a sore tooth by pinching yourself hard in the leg.
Cold also decreases the activity of cells to reduce swelling and internal bleeding at the site of acute injury. Cooling the deep tissue also reduces muscle spasm by reducing the muscle's ability to maintain a contraction (contractility).
Because cold reduces bleeding and swelling within injured tissue, it is best used in the first 48 hours after an injury and usually longer after a surgery. However, cold therapy (cryotherapy) is not for everyone. Cryotherapy should not be used on persons who:
- have circulation problems
- are unconscious (such as your local politician)
- are unable to respond or cannot feel cold (for example- someone after a stroke; with a neuropathy; or who has paralysis of a limb)
- are allergic to cold (yes, some people develop a rash and blisters to cold)
What are the types of Cryotherapy?
Since the ice age, humankind has used cryotherapy to their advantage. Cryotherapy can be as simple as using a few ice cubes wrapped in a towel and applied to your skin, or can be as advanced as a microchip controlled personal cooling unit. Each type has its benefits and limitations. We will try to give you some background on each technique in order to allow you to make the best choice to relieve your pain and restore your function.
Ice bags
This technique uses simple bags such as a plastic bag, a hot water bottle, chemical cold packs or frozen vegetables. Technique- Dry the area first. Apply a dry terry cloth towel over the area to prevent direct contact of the ice to the skin. Apply your choice of cold to the area for no more than 20 minutes. The skin will pass through four stages of sensation in 10-15 minutes. These sensations in order are: 1.) Cold 2.) Burning 3.) Aching 4.) Numbness ** Cold therapy should be stopped once the skin feels numb.
Ice massage
Ice massage is another cyrotherapy technique. Place clean tap water into a foam cup and place in your freezer until it is completely frozen. Peel back a small amount of the top of the cup and massage this onto area of pain using constant circular motion. DO NOT hold the ice in one area for more than 3 minutes since this may cause frostbite. ** Cold therapy should be stopped once the skin feels numb.
The Advantages of these two techniques:
- Easily available materials found in most homes.
- Usually inexpensive.
- Quick application with little preparation.
- Good for minor injuries that only require cold therapy for a day or two.
The Disadvantages of these techniques:
- The ice easily falls off the joint. It is difficult to keep the ice in place
- The ice quickly melts and can create a mess especially if in bed.
- Ice is applied to limited surfaces of the joint.
- No compression is applied.
- Can only be applied for short periods of time (10-20 minutes).
- Very frustrating to use for more major injuries or after surgery for the above reasons.
At JointHealing.Com, we are able to offer better solutions:
Solution 1
DonJoy Iceman $198.00
The IceMan, made by DonJoy, is designed to maintain a constant cool temperature over the joint or extremity where you are having pain. You are able to set the temperature and the device will maintain it constantly by continuously recirculating the icewater flowing to the pad. With the included multi-purpose pad, the IceMan is suitable for the following areas: knee, shoulder, ankle, thigh, leg/calf, forearm and elbow. See our product page for additional product information, and to add this product to your shopping cart.
Solution 2
PolarCare Cub $135.50
This is our "economy model" cryotherapy unit. It provides continuous cool water flow to a pad; this helps to relieve pain and swelling. Since it does not require electricity, it can be used outdoors (at sporting events, etc.). It is provided with a universal wrap-on pad. It is useful for knee problems such as ACL and MCL injuries, after meniscus surgery, and bursitis. It is also good for shoulder problems such as rotator cuff repair, shoulder replacement, or repair of the dislocating shoulder.
Included FREE!: Multipurpose XL pad for use on multiple joints such as the shoulder, knee, ankle, elbow.
See our product page for additional product information, and to add this product to your shopping cart.
Solution 3
DuraKold DuraSoft Shoulder $69.95
DuraKold DuraSoft Knee $64.95
These cryotherapy devices provide a cost-effective cold therapy solution for your injured or recently operated joint. These pads are designed specifically for the joint (knee, shoulder) they are designed to treat. Comfortable wrap-around pads hold the cryo-packs in place. "DuraSoft" refers to the comfortable gel-soft cushioning in the wraps. The pads attach via velcro, so they are easy to apply, even for people who have recently had surgery.
The cryo-packs are re-usable. Simply throw them in the freezer and they are ready to go again. See our product page for additional product information, and to add this product to your shopping cart.
Solution 4
FIZIO by Recover Gear Shirt $76.50
The FIZIO by Recover Gear shirt has strategically placed pockets around the shoulder and lower back to provide relief to diagnosed ligament, muscle and tendon injuries. This includes injuries to the rotator cuff as well as strains to the lower back muscles. No more cumbersome wraps or devices to deal with. Simply place the ThermafreezeTM hot or cold packs in the pockets. This unique cryotherapy product has the advantage of being very easy to wear giving you the capacity to continue functioning while treating yourself. No longer do you have to remained tied down to one spot attached to a tube or at the mercy of an ill-fitting ice bag.
The ThermafreezeTM packs are re-usable. Simply throw them in the freezer and they are ready to go again for cryotherapy treatment, or heat them in the microwave for heat therapy. See our product page for additional product information, and to add this product to your shopping cart.
Solution 5
FIZIO by Recover Gear Knee Sleeve $31.95
The FIZIO by Recover Gear knee sleeve is designed to provide hot or cold therapy to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the knee. Because of the unique design of the FIZIO by Recover Gear knee sleeve, it can be worn as a support, or as a garment that facilitates hot or cold therapy. Great for athletes pre, post or even during activity or for use in physical therapy. Simply place the ThermafreezeTM hot or cold pack in the pocket. This unique cryotherapy product has the advantage of being very easy to wear giving you the capacity to continue functioning while treating yourself. No longer do you have to remained tied down to one spot attached to a tube or at the mercy of an ill-fitting ice bag.
The ThermafreezeTM packs are re-usable. Simply throw them in the freezer and they are ready to go again for cryotherapy treatment, or heat them in the microwave for heat therapy. See our product page for additional product information, and to add this product to your shopping cart.
Solution 6
FIZIO by Recover Gear Shorts $76.50
The FIZIO by Recover Gear shorts are unique because of their ability to be worn as an undergarment for support and to also facilitate heat or cold therapy. By simply placing the thermal packs in the pockets it provides cold or heat therapy to diagnosed strains or sprains of the quadriceps and hamstrings. This multi-functional garment is a simple, but revolutionary concept to help speed recovery. Simply place the ThermafreezeTM hot or cold packs in the pockets. This unique cryotherapy product has the advantage of being very easy to wear giving you the capacity to continue functioning while treating yourself. No longer do you have to remained tied down to one spot attached to a tube or at the mercy of an ill-fitting ice bag.
The ThermafreezeTM packs are re-usable. Simply throw them in the freezer and they are ready to go again for cryotherapy treatment, or heat them in the microwave for heat therapy. See our product page for additional product information, and to add this product to your shopping cart.
Solution 7
FIZIO by Recover Gear Tights $95.00
The FIZIO by Recover Gear tights are a comprehensive solution to providing cryotherapy therapy to the quadriceps, hamstrings and calf muscles. This multifunctional garment has applications for all types of sports and for anyone needing a convenient and effective way to provide hot or cold therapy to the lower extremities. Simply place the ThermafreezeTM hot or cold packs in the pockets. This unique cryotherapy product has the advantage of being very easy to wear giving you the capacity to continue functioning while treating yourself. No longer do you have to remained tied down to one spot attached to a tube or at the mercy of an ill-fitting ice bag.
The ThermafreezeTM packs are re-usable. Simply throw them in the freezer and they are ready to go again for cryotherapy treatment, or heat them in the microwave for heat therapy. See our product page for additional product information, and to add this product to your shopping cart.
Solution 8
FIZIO by Recover Gear Elbow Sleeve $27.95
The FIZIO by Recover Gear elbow sleeve is perfect for anyone that needs a quick and effective way to provide relief to the elbow and surrounding tendons and ligaments. The FIZIO by Recover Gear elbow sleeve is perfect for pitchers, quarterbacks, tennis players or anyone with diagnosed tendonitis around the elbow. Simply place the ThermafreezeTM hot or cold packs in the pockets. This unique cryotherapy product has the advantage of being very easy to wear giving you the capacity to continue functioning while treating yourself. No longer do you have to remained tied down to one spot attached to a tube or at the mercy of an ill-fitting ice bag.
The ThermafreezeTM packs are re-usable. Simply throw them in the freezer and they are ready to go again for cryotherapy treatment, or heat them in the microwave for heat therapy. See our product page for additional product information, and to add this product to your shopping cart.
Solution 9
FIZIO by Recover Gear Ankle Sleeve $23.95
The FIZIO by Recover Gear ankle sleeve is designed to provide instant relief to the ankle and Achilles tendon. The FIZIO by Recover Gear ankle sleeve can be worn for both support and cryotherapy. The ankle sleeve has multiple applications in both the physical therapy and sports markets. Simply place the ThermafreezeTM hot or cold packs in the pockets. This unique cryotherapy product has the advantage of being very easy to wear giving you the capacity to continue functioning while treating yourself. No longer do you have to remained tied down to one spot attached to a tube or at the mercy of an ill-fitting ice bag.
The ThermafreezeTM packs are re-usable. Simply throw them in the freezer and they are ready to go again for cryotherapy treatment, or heat them in the microwave for heat therapy. See our product page for additional product information, and to add this product to your shopping cart.
Comparison
| Effective cryotherapy for pain relief. |
|
|
|
|
| Reusable |
|
|
|
|
| Multi-joint pad for application to several different joints |
|
|
|
|
| Suitable for sprains/strains |
|
|
|
|
| Suitable for after surgery |
good
|
good
|
better
|
best
|
| Requires refrigeration |
|
|
||
| Hand-bulb action |
|
|||
| Ice-water circulation cryotherapy |
|
|
||
| Continuous unassisted (electric motor) cryotherapy |
|
|||
| Requires electricity |
|
|||
| Temperature control |
|
|||
| Provides gentle compression |
|
|||
| Suitable for back pain |
|
|||
| Joint-specific for maximum quality of fit |
|
|||
| Freedom of movement while wearing |
good
|
best
|
||
| Provides heating as well as cooling |
|