Cold therapy is a proven pain reliever. Find out how it works and when it’s best to use this at-home remedy.
After you’ve suffered an orthopedic injury, you want the pain to stop immediately. One way to get that quick relief is through cold therapy. Not only is cold therapy a proven pain reducer, but it’s also a solution that almost everyone has access to. All you need is some ice or even a bag of frozen veggies and a cloth.
Cold therapy can be used for a wide variety of injuries or conditions. However, it isn’t ideal in all circumstances. In addition, there are definite dos and don’ts regarding how to apply cold therapy. Let’s detail those so you can get the most from cold therapy in treating your orthopedic pain.
When to use cold therapy
Chief among cold therapy’s benefits is near-immediate pain reduction. It can also bring down swelling and inflammation by blocking blood flow to the injured area. The cold temperatures also dull the nerves so you don’t feel pain acutely.
Cold therapy is best for injuries and conditions such as:
- Sudden orthopedic injuries such as muscle or tendon tears
- Overuse injuries such as tendonitis or runner’s knee
- Ankle sprains
- Muscle spasms
- Arthritis
- Pain and swelling from wearing a cast
- Pain and swelling after a knee or hip replacement
Some of those conditions, such as joint stiffness caused by arthritis or muscle spasms, can also be treated with a combination of cold and heat therapy. Unlike cold therapy, heat encourages blood flow to relax the tissues and improve flexibility. Be sure to always check with your doctor about which method to apply for your specific condition.
Besides pain relief, cold therapy may help athletes recover from a strenuous workout. According to Mayo Clinic, immersive cold therapy reduces muscle damage and inflammation after exercise, so athletes don’t feel sore after their workout.
The dos and don’ts of cold therapy
All you need for a cold therapy session is a frozen gel pack, a frozen vegetable package, or a coolant spray. All those items are readily available in a drugstore or grocery store. You can also dunk yourself in an ice bath of cold but not freezing water.
Follow these dos and don’ts for the best results:
Do
- Apply the cold compress for only 10 to 15 minutes at a time, and repeat several times a day.
- Start cold therapy immediately following the injury.
- Cover the cold compress with a cloth or towel so the extreme temperature doesn’t touch your skin.
- Combine cold therapy with rest, compression, and elevation.
- Try stretching and strengthening exercises in conjunction with cold therapy to regain mobility.
Don’t
- Apply cold therapy to open wounds.
- Use cold therapy if you have diabetes, nerve damage, or circulatory problems, as they make it difficult to feel extreme temperatures that can cause harm.
- Use cold therapy if you are sensitive to cold or if you have Reynaud’s syndrome.
- Use cold therapy for back pain as the damage may be deeper in the tissues, and the cold can seize up tense muscles.
If the pain doesn’t subside in a day or two, you may have a more serious injury that needs medical attention. Visit an orthopedist or physical therapist for further evaluation and treatment.
Let us heal your pain
As a leading sports medicine center, New York Bone & Joint Specialists has decades of experience in treating orthopedic pain. Our committed professionals will evaluate your condition and develop an appropriate and individualized treatment plan that works best for you. Contact us today for a consultation.
