You can control pain with ice therapy significantly if you have been injured, strained a muscle, or undergone surgery. The RICE method for healing uses it as part of its RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) components. The most common method of applying cold therapy is wrapping an ice pack in an elastic bandage.
As a result of technological advancements, ice therapy has become easier to apply when needed. Ice is circulated through a water reservoir to provide cold therapy. An element of compression is added to the pool with a wrap, which may help reduce swelling. You can benefit from the therapeutic cold and targeted pressure to boost your healing using a cold therapy machine. How to use your ice therapy device at home? This information will help you understand how to use your cold therapy device at home after surgery safely.
What is a cold therapy device, and how does it work?
A cooling pad is applied to the surgical site to reduce swelling and pain using a cold therapy device. You may also need fewer pain medications as a result of this therapy. Opioids are commonly associated with side effects such as nausea, constipation, and urinary retention (inability to urinate), so reducing their use may help people avoid such side effects.
Using your cold therapy device
For the first week following surgery, it is recommended that you use the cooling device as often as possible, even at night. It is essential to consider the following steps to set up your cooling device:
Using the handle, unlock the lid. Take the top off. Fill the container with cold water. Make sure the machine is filled with water.
Add ice to the cooler's fill line. If you must refill your cooler every six hours, keep extra ice available.
Suppose you have a plastic 12 oz. Bottle, you can freeze it as well. Make sure to place several water bottles in the cooler upright to remain frozen for longer. The bottles should be labeled before being placed in the cooler.
In addition to having the ability to freeze water, the device can also accommodate plastic food storage containers. Fill the cooler with ice. You may add extra cubes if space is available.
Place the lid on the device with the handle facing forward. Close by pressing down on the cover while moving the handle back and forth.
Connect the more excellent hose to the cold pad connector. Place the hoses together until you hear a "click" or "snap" to ensure they are securely connected. Tie the tubing slightly to make sure it fits snugly.
Over the dressing or barrier layer, place the white side of the cold pad against the surgical area. Place the blue side away from the surgical site. Hold the pad in place with the elastic straps. In cases where a brace is worn after surgery, you should place a cold pad inside the prop, not on top of it.
Avoid touching your skin directly with the pad. You can use a towel, pillowcase, or t-shirt to cover the area under the pad. As the pad gets cold, it may cause frostbite if it comes in contact with skin. Make sure the skin is not frostbitten every two hours.
Connect the power supply to a wall outlet and plug the power cord into the connection port on the back of the cooler to turn it on.
After the ice has melted, repeat the steps to fill the cooler.
To receive the full benefits of cold therapy, you should stay connected to the cooling device except when going to the bathroom or for short walks. The better you feel after a few days, the faster the benefits will work.
It may not be necessary to use the cold therapy device continuously. Ideally, you would use it only when swelling or pain is present.
During physical therapy or after walking, you may feel sore.
Helpful tips when using your cold therapy device
Try to keep the surgical area as cold as possible with an icepack if you cannot tolerate the cold therapy device. When using icepacks, it is recommended that you keep them on for 30 minutes every two hours as needed to relieve pain.
You can stop icing if you cannot tolerate either method of cold therapy, but your pain may increase slightly.
Place a layer of protection between the cold pad or icepacks and your skin/incision. You can wear a t-shirt or washcloth. This layer should not prevent cold therapy from reaching the surgical area by this layer, but it should protect the skin. Moisture may accumulate here and cause a decrease in temperature. Ensure the barrier between your skin and the cold pad is dry. If necessary, replace the barrier so that your bandage does not get wet.
Things to know about Ice Therapy Machine
Is the machine noisy?
It does not produce much noise during operation but chimes to alert users when the water temperature is higher than 10 degrees celsius. It also chimes to signify that the session has ended.
Do I need separate pads for different areas of the body?
Cold therapy machines come with a unique therapy pad that allows the device to conform to any body area, such as the shoulder, arm, back, hip, thigh, knee, calf, and ankle.
Can I control the flow rate?
Certainly! Choose one of five flow rates for a personalized treatment session with the up and down arrows at the start of each session.
Can I control the flow rate?
Sure! Choose one of five flow rates for a personalized treatment session by using the arrows up and down at the start of each session.
Can I use this on my shoulder?
Definitely! Customize the cold therapy pad to fit the body and provide targeted relief with the straps.
Do I need to use ice?
Indeed, filling the unit with ice up to the designated fill line ensures the water will cool effectively.
How much ice do I need to put in the bucket?
Cold therapy bases are designed with a designated line for filling both with ice and water. Each base holds six liters of water. You should add ice to the tank if the device starts beeping because the water is too warm.
Final thoughts
Cold therapy machine can help you recover faster after surgery and have many other pain management benefits. If you require an ice therapy machine, you can buy the ice therapy machine at Sky Medical Supplies. Also, you can consider the ice therapy rentals while checking out the website. Contact Us for more details