The Benefits of Ice Therapy

The use of Ice, or Cryotherapy, as an effective therapy for sports or general injuries has been known for a number of years. In 1994, The American Journal of Sports Medicine sited a study whereby ice affects the arterial and soft tissue blood flow and also the metabolism of the bone in a positive way, which is significant in the healing process of a joint.

How Ice Therapy Works

Initially, during an injury, tissue damage can cause uncontrolled swelling. This can increase damage to the actual injury and delay the natural healing time and process.
The immediate use of ice decreases swelling, tissue damage, inflammation, blood clot formation, muscle spasms and pain.

The ice constricts blood vessels and decreases tissue temperature causing less blood flow and cell metabolism. The effect of this is to limit cell death and haemorrhage in the damaged area. Once the ice is removed, after no more than 20 mins, the blood vessels in the injured area slowly dilate and increase the tissue temperature. This can help the area heal faster and reduce pain. The ice can be re applied if necessary, but allow the skin to return to normal temperature.

When to use Ice Therapy

Ice therapy must be used after any workout or injury occurs. It can be used immediately or, as studies have shown, within the first 24-48 hours – initial and acute stages, or after 48 hours – the chronic stage.

R. I. C. E.

After any injury or discomfort, particularly following a workout, a good rule to follow is:

R - Rest the injury
I - Ice the injury (20 mins max)
C - Compress the injury
E - Elevate the injury above your heart

Precautions

Ice therapy should not be used if you suffer from the following conditions:
Raynaud’s Syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, cold allergic condition or paralysis.
Always consult your doctor before administering any therapy or if symptoms persist.

The use of Ice, or Cryotherapy, as an effective therapy for sports or general injuries has been known for a number of years. In 1994, The American Journal of Sports Medicine sited a study whereby ice affects the arterial and soft tissue blood flow and also the metabolism of the bone in a positive way, which is significant in the healing process of a joint.

How Ice Therapy Works

Initially, during an injury, tissue damage can cause uncontrolled swelling. This can increase damage to the actual injury and delay the natural healing time and process.
The immediate use of ice decreases swelling, tissue damage, inflammation, blood clot formation, muscle spasms and pain.

The ice constricts blood vessels and decreases tissue temperature causing less blood flow and cell metabolism. The effect of this is to limit cell death and haemorrhage in the damaged area. Once the ice is removed, after no more than 20 mins, the blood vessels in the injured area slowly dilate and increase the tissue temperature. This can help the area heal faster and reduce pain. The ice can be re applied if necessary, but allow the skin to return to normal temperature.

When to use Ice Therapy

Ice therapy must be used after any workout or injury occurs. It can be used immediately or, as studies have shown, within the first 24-48 hours – initial and acute stages, or after 48 hours – the chronic stage.

R. I. C. E.

After any injury or discomfort, particularly following a workout, a good rule to follow is:

R - Rest the injury
I - Ice the injury (20 mins max)
C - Compress the injury
E - Elevate the injury above your heart

Precautions

Ice therapy should not be used if you suffer from the following conditions:
Raynaud’s Syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, cold allergic condition or paralysis.
Always consult your doctor before administering any therapy or if symptoms persist.

See The Benefits of heat therapy