Cold Therapy

image of an ice pack.

Applying ice after an injury is a common method for reducing pain and swelling. It is especially effective for athletes, who often experience sudden, painful injuries. This type of cold therapy, also known as cryotherapy, is used by chiropractors for the same purposes.

Types of Cold Therapy

Many types of cold therapy are available to reduce pain and swelling after an injury, including the use of:

  • Ice packs
  • Ice massage
  • Slush bucket (half water, half crushed ice)
  • Whirlpool with ice water
  • Cold wet towels

Benefits of Cold Therapy

Cold temperatures cause blood vessels to narrow, which reduces the flow of blood into an area. As a result, cold therapy:

  • Reduces swelling and pain after injury
  • Slows movement of fluid into tissues
  • Reduces the amount of chemicals that cause inflammation in injured tissue
  • Reduces bleeding
  • Slows the movement of pain signals from nerves
  • Decreases muscle spasms by reducing the contraction of muscles

Cold therapy may also keep cells in the injured area from dying due to the lack of oxygen. This is because an injury can reduce blood flow — and oxygen — to the area. However, cold therapy slows the activity of cells, which reduces how much oxygen they need to stay alive.

Tips for Best Cold Therapy

For cold therapy to work, cold packs should be applied as soon as possible. Pain and inflammation are common within 72 hours after an injury.

To avoid frostbite, cold packs should be applied for only 10 minutes at a time, with breaks of at least an hour in between. The ice can be applied several times a day, for three or four days after an injury — or as directed by your chiropractor.

Also, cold packs should never be applied directly to the skin. Instead, a towel should be placed between the skin and cold pack.

Cold therapy may not be appropriate for everyone. Some people respond to cold temperatures by breaking out in hives or developing pain in the joints.

If you have questions about cold therapy or think you might benefit from this type of treatment, please contact our office to schedule an appointment and receive more information.

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Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:00am

6:00pm

Tuesday:

1:00pm

4:30pm

Wednesday:

8:00am

6:00pm

Thursday:

1:00pm

4:30pm

Friday:

8:00am

4:00pm

Saturday:

Closed

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Closed

Testimonials

Reviews By Our Satisfied Patients

  • "Date: 3/22/13

    What are you being treated for?

    Knee Pain, Fell on Ice

    How long have you had symptoms?

    10 days when treatment started

    What treatments have you tried in the past?

    No

    How has your life changed since starting treatments?

    No pain after 10 days and no pain after 5 treatments

    Would you recommend Pulsed Electro-Magnetic Field Therapy? Yes"
    Patient 3873
  • "Date: 03/18/13

    What are you being treated for?

    Sore Shoulder

    How long have you had symptoms?

    3 months

    What treatments have you tried in the past?

    None

    How has your life changed since starting treatments?

    Feels better

    Would you recommend Pulsed Electro-Magnetic Field Therapy? Yes"
    Patient Number: 3098