Cold therapy works to relieve pressure on damaged tissue and aid in the healing process. A professional therapist may apply ice as part of a treatment, or you may use it at home to manage pain after a session. Talk to your doctor about applying ice if you are being treated for a chronic illness, such as diabetes. Ice should not be used on areas with poor blood circulation.
Pain Management
Ice is the first step in most healing processes to relieve pain and help to reduce swelling. Use ice immediately after the injury. Wrap the ice pack in a towel and apply to the affected area for up to 20 minutes. Continue the icing several times throughout the next three days. You also may use ice after a therapy session to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Ask your physical therapist for information on the use of ice to manage pain after exercise.
Muscle Flexibility
A 2008 study by Wichita Sate University researchers shows that applying ice to a muscle will increase flexibility. The study looked specifically at hamstring muscles. The conclusion was that applying ice to the muscle before and after therapy may help improve the flexibility.
Joint Flexibility
Ice reduces swelling. This means it may help relieve the strain of swollen joints and increase mobility. Individuals with joint swelling from injury or disease may use an ice pack as a therapeutic way to speed up healing. Online health magazine Medical News Today suggests that some forms of ice therapy can benefit those with multiple sclerosis and rheumatism by reducing inflammation in problem areas. Applying an ice pack is a natural way to reduce swelling. Ask your physical therapist if applying an ice pack over a stiff joint will help.
Electro Stimulation
Interferential current, IFC, is sometimes applied during physical therapy to reduce pain from an injury or illness, such as a torn ligament. The mild current stimulates large impulse fibers to disrupt the transmission of pain. Pain receptors fire to signal something hurts. With IFC, the receptors cannot deliver the message. Icing is part of this treatment. The therapist will apply electrodes over the affected area. An ice pack goes directly over the stimulation pads to aid in pain management and swelling. The treatment produces tiny amounts of current on the skin. The stimulation triggers the body to release chemicals that help to reduce pain naturally.
References
- Medical News Today; Ground Breaking Ice Pack Improves Joint Mobility Among Osteoarthritis Patients And Helps Athletes Recover Faster; 2009
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette: How to Set Up a Physical Therapy Patient with a Knee Injury on Interferential Current
- Washington University in St. Louis; If You've Got an Ache, Try an Ice Pack, Suggests Sports Medicine Expert; Virginia Gilbert; 2003
- Wichita State University; Effects of Cold Packs on Hamstring Flexibility; Penny E. Bolton, SPT, et al.; 2008
- Merck; Treatment of Pain and Inflammation; 2007
- Texas Medical: Interferential Units Explained
