Injury advice > Cold Therapy - Explained!

Cold Therapy - Explained!

Cold therapy is the use of a product to cool a joint or muscle in the treatment of an injury. According to the RICE protocol of injury first aid, ice, or another form of cold therapy should be applied as soon as possible following a soft tissue injury and repeated at regular intervals for 48-72 hours.

The benefit of cooling an area following injury is to relieve pain, and reduce bleeding, swelling and muscle spasm. Cooling an area causes the blood vessels in the area to constrict (narrow) meaning less blood and other fluids which cause swelling flow to the area.

There are a number of ways in which cold therapy can be applied to an injury. The best method may vary for each injury, depending on the location and type of injury in question.

Coldone Therapy Wraps

Coldone wraps are a neoprene wrap on the outer side, with lots of small pockets of freezable gel on the inner side. The wrap is stored in the freezer until required, when it can then be wrapped and fastened around the injured area. They also provide compression to the injury.
Advantages - no mess; stays put even if you move around; covers the whole joint; lining ensures the wrap can be placed directly on the skin.
Disadvantages - one wrap does not fit all joints/areas.

Re useable Cold Packs

Cold packs are usually made of gel inside a plastic pouch. The whole pack is placed in the freezer until required. Before use, the pack must either be placed in a special wrap, or a cloth. Placing the pack straight onto the skin can cause ice burns. Many packs can also be heated for use as a hot pack.
Advantages - inexpensive; can be molded to shape even when frozen, suitable for any body part.
Disadvantages - difficult to cover the whole area; no compression.

Instant Cold Packs

Instant cold packs generally contain a liquid and a separate pouch containing other chemicals within the pack. When you squeeze and burst the pouch the chemicals are released which causes a reaction which produces a cooling effect. These can only be used once.
Advantages - ready to use; perfect for emergencies and pitch-side use.
Disadvantages - one use only; not as cold as re useable cold packs

Cold Bags

A cold bag is a material pouch which usually has a waterproof lining. Ice cubes or chips are placed inside the bag which can then be placed directly onto the skin.
Advantages - easily molds to the shape of the joint; can also be used for hot therapy.
Disadvantages - time consuming so not suitable in emergencies or pitch side

Cooling Gels

Gels such as biofreeze are rubbed directly onto the skin to provide a cooling effect. They often also contain an analgesic to aid pain relief.
Advantages - quick and easy to use.
Disadvantages - the cooling effect is minimal compared to the use of an ice pack - only superficial tissues are cooled.

Cold Sprays

Cold sprays are often used in pitch-side settings where instant cold therapy is required. The spray is a mix of a cooling agent and a propellant which is applied directly to the skin.
Advantages - quick and easy to apply.
Disadvantages - minimal cooling effect which is limited to superficial tissues.