Ice pack or cryotherapy consists of applying cold compresses to the skin, both to reduce its temperature and constrict blood vessels in the area. Applied to fresh injuries, it can help reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation.
You are likely already familiar with the use of ice to bring down swelling after spraining an ankle or knocking your shin. But did you know that cryotherapy can be beneficial well after you suffer your initial injury?
Treatment and Benefits
Applying an ice pack is an an excellent way to help with muscle spasms, and is known to help numb painful areas while providing a cooling relief to the affected soft tissues. Commonly used in sports medicine, its power to ease pain and decrease inflammation can be helpful to those in rehabilitation programs for injuries or who have chronic pain.
Dr. Dillsworth recommends putting a layer of towel between the ice pack and the skin and keeping it on for 30 minutes then leaving it off for 60 minutes and repeat. If the affected area goes numb from the ice remove the ice no matter how long it has been on and let the area warm up for 60 minutes before applying it again.