How to use cold

These tips for the proper use of cold apply no matter what type of cold you are
using. First, cold should only be applied for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. In most
cases, whatever type of cold application you are using will have thawed by this
time so there is little risk of the complications discussed below. What you don't
want to do is keep reapplying new cold packs one behind the other so the total
time of the cold treatment exceeds 15 to 20 minutes. More is not better in this
or any situation. If you do this, then you will over freeze the area decreasing
the circulation to the area too much and could very well end up with a nasty case
of frostbite. You can also wind up over cooling the nerves in the area end up with
damage to the nerves.

How often can you reuse cold.....
You can reapply cold several times a day. Once your cold pack has been off for
approximately an hour and a half to two hours, it is safe to put on another cold
pack. The effects of cold last longer than heat since it takes longer for the
body to warm up than to cool off. In the acute stage of an injury, frequent
application of cold in this manner can be very effective. Keeping the swelling
to a minimum can speed up the body's ability to heal itself. If you apply cold
correctly, the area you applied the cold pack to will become red. This is the
normal response. If there are blotchy white spots in the red area after you
remove a cold pack, this means that the area has been cooled excessively and is
a warning sign. You should decrease the amount of time the cold pack is left on
the next time.

Don't like to place cold directly. Try this....
Many people don't like cold. They shiver just at the though of it. They cringe.
They cry. Here's a little tip if you feel this way about cold. Take a towel and
wet it with warm water. Then wrap up the cold pack in this warm wet towel.
Immediately apply the cold pack. The warm towel will help lessen the shock of
having something frozen placed on your skin. You will feel the cold more
gradually, making the cold pack application much more comfortable. This will
also provide a moist cold instead of dry cold application which allows for
deeper penetration of the cold and decreases the risk of over cooling the
tissues resulting in unwanted side effects. Many Physical Therapist use this
method and apply moist cold.

Check out our cold packs by Thera-Med for your helpful needs.
If you have any other suggestions that should be added. Post a comment.

Return Back to Store