Ice packs and cold therapy machines are both popular methods of treating acute injuries and post-operative swelling. Both have their own unique benefits and can be effective in reducing inflammation and pain. However, there are some key differences between the two, and understanding these differences can help you decide which one is best for your recovery.

Do you use Ice Packs and Cold Compress?

How often have we all had those reusable ice packs or used ice cubes in a zip lock bag and applied it to an acutely injured ankle, and 10-minutes later find that the ice is half melted, ice blocks are uncomfortable or the ice pack is NOT staying in place?

I am only speaking on my own experience because while playing multiple amateur sports and found myself injuring, pretty well, every body part imaginable. I would usually end up getting uneven cold compression, the ice pack would fall away, or I would end up with a bag of water dripping all over the floor. 

Home care ice packs for any acute musculoskeletal injuries, aches and pains, we use zip lock bags or plastic bags with the smallest of holes in them that we have reused from the grocery store, inevitably leaking water all over myself and the floor. We have all been there.

• Messy application

• Uneven compression

• Impossible to place along joints and various body muscles

• Varied size of ice cubes can be uncomfortable

• In some cases it can cause ice burns and skin irritations.

Benefits of Cold Therapy Machine Treatment

Advances in sports science and technology assistance focuses on athlete rehabilitation and reduced recovery time, have been aided by cold therapy machines that work by circulating water through an ice reservoir. The reservoir connects to a wrap that provides consistent, cold compression around a body part which may help to reduce swelling, pain and inflammation. These units are used by physicians, athletic trainers, and physiotherapists.

Constant, consistent cold therapy treatment comes widely recommended by surgeons after musculoskeletal procedures and acute injuries.

• More efficient than ice packs. The combination of compression and cold has been proven to be more efficient than ice therapy alone.

• The cold pressure alleviates pain and reduces swelling and inflammation.

• Reduces blood flow to the area, and the compression reduces swelling and allows therapeutic cold to penetrate deeper and longer lasting. 

• Convenience and Portable.

• Can be used in a seated or lying down position.

• Applied with various body wraps, comfortably around the injured body part.

• Can be set on a timer or interval to assist with chronic pain or post surgical discomfort. 

• Expensive to purchase for home use. I recommend renting from a clinic or allied health facility.

• Reduce recovery time and Pain. 

Alternatives

• Ice Sleeves can be placed in the freezer and have on hand whenever an accident happens. They simply slide on to joints, as a compression sleeve would.

• Break up ice cubes with a wood mallet and place into a zip lock bag, wrap into a towel to ensure that skin-ice does not occur. Always have a tea towel or layer between the ice pack and your skin.

• Freeze water in a seal-proof bag and leave it out for 15-minutes to defrost, then as the pack comes pliable, can be placed on the injured body part.

*If you like any recommendations, please feel free to email me with any questions and I would be happy to make recommendations.**

Yes, you can rent an cold therapy machine!

• Contact your local physiotherapy or allied health clinic. 

• Recommended to rent for 2-4 weeks, and ensure that correct sizing for the wrap is maintained.

Note: Insurance plans may cover some usage of machines.

Email info@theraqinmovement.com for our clinic Game Ready Ice Machine RENTAL and our variety of wraps for your upcoming surgeries or rehabilitating your injury. 

As well, please feel free to inquire about other clinic products, such as ice sleeves and resistance bands.

WE WANT to get you back to your daily activities, so why not let our team help you.

If you need help with preparing for your sports activities and these problems are ones that you encounter, please BOOK AN APPOINTMENT and let’s chat. Book a FREE video/phone consultation.

// Moving Towards Wellness //