Why Is Ice Treatment Used For Injuries-Is It Safe

Ice Therapy

Cryotherapy or Cold Therapy, works on the principle of heat exchange. This occurs when you place a cooler object in direct contact with an object of warmer temperature. Such as ice against skin. The cooler object (ICE) will absorb the heat of the warmer object (the affected area).

I don’t know if the caveman used ice for therapy but you should…it is easily available and easy to keep. Use ice after an injury to reduce swelling and decrease pain. It will also decreases blood flow to the injured tissue and reduces inflammation. It is just that easy.

Using ice to treat injuries is one of the oldest methods of pain control, that I know of. It is proven to be safe and effective at reducing swelling, relieving pain and decreasing muscle spasms. And the best part is, that ice therapy, is an easy, self care technique that anyone can administer. Even if you are the only one adminstrating the ice therapy.

How should one use ice

You can make ice packs by placing ice cubes or crushed ice in a Ziploc bags (Ziplocs really are more dependable) or you can use a commercial frozen gel pack, available everywhere. To avoid frostbite, do not put an ice pack directly on your skin. Instead, place the ice pack in a wet washcloth or towel. If you wrap the ice pack it will be more stable or you can use an elastic bandage to hold the ice pack in place. Replace your ice packs every 20 to 30 minutes, and apply every 3 to 4 hours.

Another quick fix, should you not have ice ready, is to use frozen peas. They are the right size, in a sealed package and you can reuse them. I keep two packages in my freezer at all times. Just don’t forget and decide you want to serve peas for dinner and those is your only peas…(smiles)

Ice massages feel so good…first freeze water in a paper or Styrofoam cup. Take off the lid and you can peal away the cup as the ice melts with usage. Rub the ice over the injured area for 5 to 10 minutes. Have a towel handy it is a wet therapy. You will find that ice massages are great for overuse type injuries.

Do not be alarmed as when you first apply ice, you will feel coldness, then a burning sensation and finally after several minutes, the affected area will become numb.

Don’t forget Baby Boomers, when in doubt, ask your health care provider if you should use ice packs. Especially when if you have nerve, vascular, or skin problems.

When should I use ice

Ice should be used for the first 2 to 3 days after your injury or until the swelling goes away.

If you need an example: If you sprained your ankle 5 days ago and it is still swollen, you should continue to use ice. I also use ice on a minor burn. NEVER butter.
What about harmful effects from ice therapy

Frostbite can occur if ice packs are put directly on the skin and left too long. Therefore, the skin and tissue underneath, such as muscles, nerves, and fat, may be injured. This can be either temporarily or permanently. The elbow, the knee, and the foot are more sensitive and can be injured by cold more easily because they don’t have as much padding or insulation, as say your buttocks.

~The Baby Boomer Queen~

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