What is Cold Therapy?
Cold therapy also commonly referred to as cryotherapy is the process of applying a cold pack over the area of pain and inflammation. Cold therapy has been used for ages to treat swelling and pain. Cold therapy packs come in a wide variety of shapes sizes and styles to accomplish different purposes. It is a handy option to provide first aid in case of injuries. When cold therapy is applied to the injured areas it shrinks the blood vessels and therefore keeps the blood or fluid from pooling in the area of injury.
HPFY offers an extensive range of ice packs designed for specific body parts, such as ice packs for hands, ice packs for back, shoulder ice packs, neck ice packs, knee ice packs, ankle ice packs, and a lot more. Please scroll through our catalog and buy a cold pack best suited for your needs at an affordable price.
How do Cold Packs Work?
Cold packs are generally filled with a gel like substance that cools down at a fast rate and remains cool for a long period of time. These packs are reusable a number of times and they are not messy. In order to prevent frost bites or chapped skin it is best to place a towel between cold pack and the skin to reap the maximum results.
Uses of Gel Ice Packs
Cold therapy can be used in the case of:
Benefits of Ice Therapy Machine
No matter which method of cryotherapy you try, the icy temperature can provide a multitude of health benefits. You can start reaping the benefits after just a few minutes of cold exposure. Here are some of the potential benefits of cold therapy machine:
When not to use Ice Therapy
Cold therapy is not always a good idea. For some individuals and certain health conditions, it can potentially do more harm than good. Cold therapy is not suitable for the following:
- Sensory disorders, including diabetes, that prevent one from feeling certain sensations
- Open wound or blistered skin
- Stiff muscles or joints
- Hypersensitivity to cold
- When the person is already cold, or the area is numb
- Vascular diseases or conditions that affect blood flow
- Certain conditions which require a doctor’s permission, such as pregnancy or heart disease
Ice Pack Safety Tips
- It is always good to consult your doctor before using any type of cold therapy.
- Ice packs should not be used immediately before intense activities.
- Ice therapy is generally most helpful within the first 48 hours following the injury.
- Never use a cold pack directly on the skin, as this can freeze and damage body tissues, leading to frostbite. Always use a towel between the skin and the ice pack.
- Apply the ice pack to the desired area for 10-15 minutes or until you feel temporary local anesthesia.
- Do not use an ice pad for more than 20 minutes at a stretch.
- Check the area every 5 minutes for abnormal skin changes or signs of overcooling, like redness or discoloration. If you notice any redness, discoloration, or pain on the application, then discontinue the use.
- It is advisable to apply cold packs to the affected area not more than three times a day or as suggested by your physician.
How to choose the Best Ice Pack
- Type of ice therapy: Different cold therapy products are available such as ice bags, gel ice packs, instant ice packs, ice wraps, electric ice packs, etc. Buy what suits your condition most.
- Size of the cold pack: Cold packs come in various sizes. If you are using ice packs for a specific injury, make sure to get the right size so that the pack will provide proper coverage to the treatment area.
- Material of the ice pack: Pay attention to the material that the ice pad is made of. Look for materials that are easy to clean, soft, and comfortable on the skin. Also, ensure that the cold pack stays intact during use.
- Ease of use: It is important to buy a cold pack that is easy to use and requires little to no stress, especially for those with limited mobility or arthritis. Hands-free cold packs like ice wraps or ice sleeves are a great option. They feature adjustable straps that allow you to fasten to the affected area while you continue your business.
- Versatility: It is good to invest in a cold pack that is fit for different purposes and designed for use on a variety of joints. Products made using fabric, polyurethane, or latex are pliable and flexible enough for localized applications.
- Cold retention: Since ice packs are used to relieve pain and swelling, the length of time the pack stays cold is an important factor to consider when buying one. The longer the pack retains its cold temperature, the longer it will provide pain relief.
- Durability: The ice pack must be durable enough to last for multiple uses. Freezing and refreezing reduce the lifespan of cold packs considerably.
4 Top Reviewed Cold Packs at HPFY
- Southwest Elasto-Gel All Purpose Therapy Wraps
- Breg Polar Insulated Hip Wrap
- Breg TMJ Polar Pad
- Battle Creek Ice It MaxComfort Cold Therapy Knee System
Where to buy Ice Packs online?
If you are feeling sore, achy, or in pain, cryotherapy can help ease symptoms. Exposure to cold causes constriction of blood vessels, reducing blood flow to injured areas, which helps reduce swelling and inflammation. Health Products For You brings a wide range of reusable ice packs and disposable ice packs from leading manufacturers like Breg, Enovis, Vive Health, Power Play, etc., at exciting prices and offers.
Read more about Cold Therapy
FAQ's
Frequently asked questions
Cold Therapy or Cryotherapy is the process of using cold temperatures for the health benefits they provide. This therapy is used in different ways in order to decrease pain and muscle spasms, improve recovery, slow cell aging and to improve the overall health of the individual.
Cold therapy is helpful in reducing inflammation, swelling, and pain. Cold therapy works after a sudden injury because it narrows the blood vessels, preventing blood from accumulating in the area.
Yes, a cold pack is vey effective in relieving headaches as it reduces the inflammation in the nerves thereby reducing the pain.
HPFY offers Therapy wraps for the shoulder, knee, ankle, back, the Sealed Ice Polar wraps for the foot/ankle, wrist/elbow, shoulder/hip, thigh, back and temporomandibular joint.
Cold packs numbs the affected area, which can reduce pain, tenderness, along with swelling and inflammation.