The use of ice and compression following an injury is well known. Ice and compression are safe and effective rehabilitation modalities in many post-surgery cases. Pain and swelling are common after surgery because they affect the body's soft tissues. Compression therapy helps heal these soft tissues and reduce pain and swelling.
Cold therapy is a tried-and-true method of relieving pain when recovering from surgery, an injury, or straining a muscle. The acronym RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) method describes the process. It denotes an applied measure for healing. This method of healing a person is applied worldwide for many years. As a result, Cold compression therapy is administered with an ice pack attached to an elastic bandage. Thus the ice therapy machine circulates the cold onto the affected area, soothing and reducing pain and swelling that may occur after surgery.
Modern technology makes it feasible to apply cold therapy when it is needed. A machine circulates water on an ice reservoir to apply cold therapy. A wrap that connects to the reservoir may provide the elements of compression that may reduce swelling. A cold therapy unit can benefit from therapeutic cold and targeted pressure to speed your recovery. Find out the use of the best device for cold compression therapy by reading on!
What is a cold compression therapy device, and how does it work?
An application of cold therapy reduces swelling and pain during surgery by placing a cooling pad over the surgical area. The treatment may also help you avoid pain medication. The use of pain medicine should be reduced to prevent some of the unpleasant side effects typically associated with opioids, such as nausea, constipation, and urinary retention.
Using your cold therapy device
The first week after your surgery is the time to put your cooling device to use as much as possible.
Install your cooling device by following these steps:
- Move the handle forward to unlock the lid. Lift the lid off.
- To fill the tank, add cold water. Make sure water is present when the machine is operated.
- Fill the cooler with ice up to the fill line. Be prepared to keep extra ice in your cooler since you need to replace it every six hours.
- Also, you can freeze 12 oz—plastic bottles. Several water bottles sitting upright in the cooler usually stay frozen for a long time. Ensure that labels are removed from bottles before placing them in the cooler.
- In addition to freezing water, a plastic food storage container can also store it in the device. The ice block can be inserted within the cooler. It is possible to add another cube of ice if space permits.
- Place lid on the device while holding the handle forward. Lower the lid, then move the handle forward and backward to the latches.
- The cooler hose should be connected to the cooler connector on the cold pad. You should hear a "click" or "snap" when you combine the hoses to ensure that they are securely fastened. If necessary, tug the tubing slightly to ensure a snug fit.
- A barrier layer or dressing should cover the white side of the cold pad. Your skin should be facing away from the blue side. For this, you can use Face ice wraps. Keep the pad in place with the elastic straps. In the case of a brace after surgery, the cold pad goes inside the mount, not on top of it.
- Avoid touching your skin directly with the pad. A small towel, pillowcase, or T-shirt can cover the area under the pad. If the pad touches the skin, it will become very cold and cause frostbite. Check the skin every one to two hours to prevent frostbite.
- The cooler can be turned on by plugging the power supply into a wall outlet and inserting the power cord into the connection port on the back.
- If the ice in the cooler melts, repeat the steps to refill it.
3 Benefits of Using a Compression Therapy Machine
Physical therapists, athletic trainers, and physicians may recommend cold therapy equipment for several different reasons, including:
More Efficient than Ice
Combining cold and compression was clinically more effective than ice therapy. A cold compress also reduces swelling, inhibits blood flow to the area, alleviates pain, and augments the therapeutic effects of cold by penetrating deeper and lasting longer.
Convenience and Portability
Ice packs can be complicated, especially if applied to your knees or shoulders. The ice may also melt too quickly, making its temperature difficult to control. An ice therapy machine in Denver maintains a constant temperature throughout your session by circulating cold water through the machine. They can also be used at home since they are usually portable.
Less Pain Medication
Numbing nerve endings in your body is how cold therapy units alleviate pain.
As a result, your body and brain communicate less, making you feel less pain. If you are recovering from surgery or an injury, you might benefit from using a cold therapy machine to reduce your dependence on medication.
Helpful tips when using your cold therapy device
- Using icepacks of any type will keep the surgical area cold if you do not tolerate the temperature of the cold therapy device. Applying ice packs for at least 30 minutes every 2 hours for pain relief is recommended.
- If either method does not work for you, you can stop icing. However, you may find that your pain is slightly worse.
- The cold pad or ice packs should be placed between your skin or incision and some layer of protection. A towel or a t-shirt would be suitable. You should not build such a thick layer where your surgical area cannot reach the cold therapy but rather protect the skin.
- Moisture may build up beneath the thick layer and cause higher temperatures at the surgical site. Check the barrier between your skin and the cold pad for moisture. Make sure that the bandage doesn't get wet by changing the border.
Final thoughts
Ice Therapy Machine in Denver is a system that can speed up your recovery after an injury or surgery if you want to get back to normal quickly after suffering an injury or surgery. With cold therapy machines from Sky Medical Supplies, you will find a control unit that features an advanced algorithm and anatomically designed wraps that conform to your body for maximum comfort. Sky medical supplies provide various options to recover from or get ready for your next surgery.