-ICE THERAPY-
Ice therapy (cryotherapy) can be used immediately after strenuous
physical activity to control inflammation and edema, reduce muscle
spasticity (tightness), and pain control.
During
strenuous activity, body tissues suffer from subtle tears. This
is called microtrauma. Microtrauma is natural and a normal aspect
of working out and building muscle, but it can lead to local pain
and uncontrolled inflammation. Simple techniques such as ice
therapy, when used properly, can reduce these symptoms, prevent
further tissue damage, and allow for a faster return to activity.
There are four stages of sensation experienced during ice therapy:
1) Cold
2) Burning
3) Aching
4) Numbness
Ice therapy
achieves its goals by initially constricting blood vessels in the
treated area, slowing the blood supply. This decrease in blood
flow accompanied by the cold temperature of the ice decrease heat
in the area, therefore putting a halt to inflammation. After
removal of the ice, blood flow will gradually return to normal
levels. The subsequent numbness from the prolonged ice treatment
will also work to control pain, which results from the tissue
microtrauma and inflammation. This numbness results from a
decrease in nerve conduction velocity associated with the treated
area. Another common response to microtrauma and inflammation is
increased muscle tone in the affected area. Muscles are activated
by the brain in an attempt to restrict movement in the inflamed
area, therefore preventing further swelling. Ice therapy
effectively loosens the overactive muscles and, in conjunction
with its other effects, allows for more pain-free movement of the
affected area and proper healing.
There are many forms and benefits of ice therapy. Many methods of
treatment are fast-acting, can be applied to many different parts
of the body, and are cost-efficient. The simplest forms of ice
therapy include ice cubes in a Ziploc bag or a bag of frozen
vegetables. Other forms of ice therapy can be chosen based on the
specific nature of the area involved and include:
-
Cold gel pack
- Ice
massage
- Massage
technique is used rather than constant application
-
Cold
compression unit
-
A motorized
cooler that constantly pumps ice water to a connected cuff
-
Ice-immersion
bath
-
Beneficial for
large body parts
-
Contrast-immersion bath
-
Alternate
between ice water and hot water
-
Beneficial for
large body parts
Ice therapy
should be used immediately after a workout until the affected area
becomes numb or for 10-15 minutes, whichever occurs first.
Subsequent treatment sessions can be initiated once the treated
tissue resumes its normal temperature. Any questions regarding
ice therapy should be directed to your primary physician.