Cold compression therapy
Cold Compression Therapy combines two of the principles of R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) to reduce pain and swelling from a sports or activity injury to soft tissues. The therapy is especially useful for sprains, strains, pulled muscles and pulled ligaments.
Cold compression wraps using ice or gel should be used for a maximum of 20 minutes every two hours the first day a soft tissue injury occurs. Exceeding the 20 minute treatment limit can cause frostbite or other tissue or nerve damage. Thereafter they should be used 2 to 4 times a day until pain and swelling diminishes. Commercial cold compression treatment devices such as RiteTemp Medical products utilize phase change materials to provide cooling at approximately 50 degrees Fahrenheit to allow longer treatment times without causing cold injury.
Cold Compression is a combination of cryotherapy and compression, and other uses also include post surgical procedures.
Eczema
File:Eczema.jpg
Cold Compression is sometimes used by people with the condition of Eczema to relieve the itchiness
See also
- Eczema
- Rotator cuff
- Torn rotator cuff
- Tennis elbow
- Achilles tendinitis
- Repetitive strain injury
- Plantar fasciitis
- Sprain
- Strain (injury)
References
 | This article includes a list of references, related reading or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. Please improve this article by introducing more precise citations. (May 2009) |
- J Arthoplasty, 2006 Dec:21 (8):1175-9
- Orthopedics, 1998 Jan:21 (1): 59-61
- Clinical Orthopaedics & Related Research, 1993: Dec 297:174-178
- American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine 34: 1953-1969 (2006)
- American Journal of Sports Medicine 27: 357-362 (1999)
- American Journal of Sports Medicine 29: 288-291) (2001)
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