Cold Therapy

Posted by Pete on October 15, 2009 in Self Help | 0 comments

Soft tissue inury either due to a traumatic event or repetitive strain causes spasm and pain.  Muscles, tendons and ligaments consist largely of a protein called collagen which under normal circumstances is elastic.  When tension is applied collagen stretches, with a return to normal length with the removal of tension.  If collagen containing tissues i.e. muscles tendons and ligaments are overstretched tearing occurs damaging blood vessels.  Blood cells and fluid pass into the space in and around muscles fibres.  The application of cold to an area of muscle injury slows the release of this fluid and also the chemicals responsible for inflammation and pain.  Pain levels are further reduced by inhibition of nerve endings that conduct pain signals to the brain.  Cooling can also reduce muscle spasm.

Cold therapy method

The most convenient methods to apply cold therapy are with a bag of frozen peas or a purpose made ice gel pack.

1. Dry the area to be iced
2. Wrap the ice pack/peas in a thin cloth/tea towel to prevent direct contact between the ice and the skin
3. Apply the ice to the affected area until the area becomes numb or the skin turns red (whichever happens first).  This will take approximately 10 minutes.  If ice is applied for longer than prescribed the skin can be damaged.
4. Remove ice pack and allow the skin to return to its normal colour and allow sensation to return to normal (approximately 10 minutes).
5. Repeat steps 3-4 several times.