Cold Pack
A cold pack is one form of cryotherapy, “cryo” meaning cold in Greek, used for the application of acute injuries to the body.
The application of your cold pack should not exceed 10 to 15 minutes. And you want a barrier between the cold pack and your skin to help prevent freezer burn (usually a thin towel or pillow case will do just fine).
During the application of a cold pack, it is usual to experience the following physiological responses or “stages”: cold, burning, aching and numbness. You can remember this easily by thinking CBAN.
So as the next time your painful condition “flares up,” do yourself a favor and reach into the freezer for your cold pack for a faster healing response.
What is a Cold Pack?
A cold pack is a plastic bag filled with ice cubes or crushed ice. Cold packs have been used in medicine in one form or another for centuries. The physiological effects of cooling soft tissue in the body using cold packs are of benefit to lay people and healthcare professionals for the management of pain.
As your condition falls within the first three weeks of an traumatic injury, use only a cold pack. Due to the recent onset of inflammation in the injured area and bleeding capillaries, you want to restrict blood flow to the region.
However, you may still want to use a cold back even during the subacute or chronic stages. Since a good cold pack serves well as a natural pain killer (numbs the treatment area) and a natural anti-inflammatory, it can be a great way to help heal your condition faster.
What is a Cold Pack Used For?
A cold pack is used in the management and treatment of sprains, strains, or fractures. It can be applied to the knee, shoulder, back and legs. Soft tissue temperature can be reduced by using a cold pack for pain treatment and decreasing the inflammatory process.
A cold pack is an integral part of the “RICE” therapy. The acronym RICE stands for Rest, Ice (cold pack), Compression, and Elevation.
The following are Indications on why you would want to use a cold pack:
Swelling or edema.
Muscle spasms.
Muscle discomfort (like that related to stress or strain).
Acute and chronic traumatic and inflammatory conditions.
The following is a list contraindications or reasons why you should not use a cold pack. If you are unsure on whether or not to use a cold pack, or if anything on this list pertains to you, consult your physician for proper guidance. They are:
Impaired circulation.
Impaired sensation.
Peripheral vascular disease.
Raynaud’s Disease.
Sensitivity or allergic reaction to cold.
Tip: You can make your own cold pack at home this way:
What you will need:
Water, Ziploc bags, and Rubbing alcohol (or any alcohol will do).
Instructions:
1. Pour 3 cups of water in a zip lock bag.
2. Add 1 cup of isopropyl alcohol.
3. Mix contents.
4. Close bag and place in another bag and close the second bag.
5. Place in freezer.
Contents should turn into a slushy mixture after 24 hours. If it is too solid, add more rubbing alcohol. If it is too watery, add water.
What is a Cold Pack Made of?
As mentioned above, a cold pack is a plastic bag with crushed ice placed inside. There are; however; other forms of ice packs.
A professional cold pack, like the kind found at a physical therapy facility, are made of silica gel surrounded by durable rubber or vinyl coating. You can also find disposable cold packs that work off a chemical reaction. These cold packs are activiated by breaking up the inner seal that mixes the chemicals inside.
Professional cold packs are preferred because they come in various sizes and shapes that easily mold to the contour of each body part. And unlike the chemical cold packs, they are re-usable.
By Tommy Hoffman, Licensed Physical Therapist
"Don't spend more time with bulging disc back pain by not finding out the truth today!"