H. Li, H. Zhao, K. Song, F. Han, Z. Liu and Q. Tian, Nanoscale, , 16, DOI: 10./D3NRH
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Imagine you have a sprained ankle or a sore knee that hurts every time you move. You might reach for an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas to numb the pain and reduce the swelling.
But what if there was a better way to heal your injury and get back to your normal activities faster? That&#;s where cold compression therapy comes in.
It&#;s a simple but powerful technique combining two proven healing methods: cooling and compressing.
Cold compression therapy, also known as hilotherapy, is a treatment technique that combines the benefits of cold therapy (also known as cryotherapy) and compression therapy. It is commonly used to reduce pain and swelling in various body parts, particularly after surgery or injury.
Cold compression therapy combines the effects of cold and pressure to treat injured or inflamed tissue. It has two main components: cold therapy and compression therapy.
Cold therapy cools down the tissue, which reduces blood flow, nerve activity, and metabolism. This helps to preserve the tissue after an injury and prevent further damage.
Compression therapy squeezes the tissue, which prevents fluid loss and swelling. This also improves blood circulation and oxygen delivery to the tissue, which supports healing.
Cold compression therapy works better than cold or compression alone. It cools down the tissue faster and longer, increasing the pressure on the tissue more. This helps to lower swelling and pain more effectively.
There are many types of devices that can deliver cold compression therapy to the affected area. Some of the most common ones are:
1.Sleeves
These are fabric tubes that can be slid over the body part like a sock or glove. They can be pre-cooled in a freezer or refrigerator or filled with ice or gel packs. They can also provide a snug fit and even temperature and pressure distribution around the body part. They can also cause skin irritation or infection if not cleaned or dried properly.
2.Cuffs
These plastic or rubber chambers can be inflated with air or water and then attached to the body part with straps or Velcro. They can be connected to a pump that can control the temperature and pressure of the fluid inside the cuff. They are more advanced and effective than sleeves. They can also provide a precise and consistent level of temperature and pressure that can be adjusted according to the user&#;s preference or need. However, they can be more expensive and complicated than sleeves and may require a power source or battery. They can also cause skin irritation or infection if not cleaned or dried properly.
3.Pumps
These devices provide both cold and compression therapy in a more sophisticated and versatile way. They consist of hoses or tubes connecting to a pump that circulates cold water or air through a wrap on the body part. They provide a continuous or intermittent cycle of cold compression therapy that can be customised according to the user&#;s preference or need.
They provide a higher level of temperature and pressure that can penetrate deeper into the tissues and enhance the healing process. They are more comfortable and flexible to wear than cuffs, as they can conform to the shape and size of the body part being treated.
One example of a pump device is the Recovery Systems Black Max Cold Compression Therapy Machine. This device uses iceless semiconductor cooling/heating technology to deliver precise and consistent temperatures for both cold and hot therapy, ranging from 5°C to 40°C (41°F to 104°F).
It has an intelligent temperature control system that can rapidly cool or heat the wrap according to the user&#;s preference. It also features a toggle function that allows the user to switch between cold and hot therapy with a simple touch of a button, a built-in timer, and an auto-shut-off feature. It is a high-quality, iceless, and portable cold compression therapy machine that can be used for various types of injuries and rehabilitation.
You might need cold or hot therapy or even both, depending on your situation. For example, cold therapy is recommended for recent acute injuries with swelling, such as sprains, strains, bruises, or fractures. Hot therapy is suitable for chronic conditions with stiffness or spasms, such as back pain, neck pain, or menstrual cramps. Sometimes, you can also alternate between cold and hot therapy in contrast therapy, which can help with conditions like bruises, muscle injuries, or joint pain.
To use cold compression devices safely and effectively, you should follow these general principles and guidelines:
Frequency &#; a common recommendation is to apply cold compression therapy for 15 to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours.
Duration &#; do not apply cold compression therapy for too long or too short at a time. Applying it for too long may cause frostbite, nerve damage, skin irritation, or infection. Applying it for too short may not provide enough benefits or results. A common recommendation is to apply cold compression therapy for 15 to 20 minutes at a time.
Intensity &#; don&#;t apply cold compression therapy too hot or too cold. Applying it too hot may cause burns, blisters, or tissue damage. Applying it too cold may cause frostbite, nerve damage, skin irritation, or infection. A common recommendation is to apply cold compression therapy at a temperature between 10°C and 15°C (50°F and 60°F).
Pressure &#; don&#;t apply cold compression therapy too high or too low in pressure. Applying it too high may cause pain, discomfort, bruising, bleeding, or tissue damage. Applying it too low may not provide enough benefits or results. The exact pressure may vary depending on the type of device, the condition or injury being treated, and your doctor&#;s advice. A common recommendation is to apply cold compression therapy at a pressure between 30 mmHg and 50 mmHg.
Note: It is important to follow the manufacturer&#;s instructions and consult a doctor before starting or changing your cold compression therapy regimen. You should also monitor your condition and response to the treatment and report any signs of improvement or worsening to your doctor.
According to research studies, compression therapies:
Cold compression therapy can help athletes recover from acute injuries, such as sprains, strains, or muscle damage, by reducing pain, swelling, inflammation, and muscle spasms. It also prevents secondary tissue damage and enhances healing.
Cold compression therapy can help patients recover from orthopaedic surgeries, such as knee or shoulder arthroplasty, by reducing post-operative pain, swelling, inflammation, and opioid consumption. It can also improve joint range of motion and function.
Cold therapy is commonly used in post-operative care for orthopaedic procedures. It has been found to have an analgesic effect by reducing the production of inflammatory mediators, decreasing local edema, disrupting the overall inflammatory response, and reducing nerve conduction velocity. Studies have shown that post-operative cryotherapy using bagged ice, ice packs, or continuous cryotherapy devices can reduce pain scores and analgesic consumption. Continuous cryotherapy devices have shown the best outcomes in orthopaedic patients after knee arthroscopy procedures.
A study from NDPE summarises several clinical trials on cold compression therapy for different orthopaedic conditions, such as hip arthroplasty, knee arthroplasty, and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. It shows that the use of cold and compression results in a dramatic decrease in blood loss, improvements in early return of motion, and decreased narcotic use.
Cold compression therapy can help patients with arthritis or joint pain by reducing pain, stiffness, and inflammation. It can also improve joint mobility and quality of life.
According to a study, cold compression with meditation can help reduce pain, depression, and uric acid levels in patients with gout arthritis. The study used a quantitative research approach and selected 40 patients with gout arthritis.
The patients received a cold compress with meditation for 15 minutes twice a day for 10 days. The study measured the patients&#; pain, depression, uric acid, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure before and after the intervention.
The study found that the intervention significantly reduced all the measured variables in the patients. The study concluded that cold compress with meditation is an effective intervention for patients with gout arthritis.
Cold compression therapy helps patients with fever by reducing body temperature, discomfort, and dehydration. It also prevents heat-related complications and infections.
A clinical study compared the effects of cold compression therapy and antipyretics (anti-fever medicines) on fever reduction in patients with acute ischemic stroke. The results showed that cold compression therapy was more effective than antipyretic drugs in lowering the body temperature and improving the neurological outcome of the patients.
Cold compression therapy helps patients with edema by reducing fluid accumulation, swelling, and pain. It also improves blood circulation and lymphatic drainage.
In a study, researchers tested the effects of cooling and pressure on reducing inflammation in human tissue. They induced acute inflammatory reactions in the tissue and applied different treatments for 40 minutes.
They found that cooling alone (15° to 25° C) did not significantly impact the swelling after one hour but temporarily reduced it in the first 15 minutes. However, when they combined cooling with mild pressure (10 mm Hg), they observed a significant and lasting decrease in swelling from 15 minutes onward. Pressure alone (20 mm Hg) did not have a noticeable effect.
Cold compression therapy prevents bruising and hematoma formation by reducing blood flow and leakage from damaged vessels. It can also reduce the risk of infection and scarring.
A study included 72 patients and found that applying cold and compression reduced the development of bruising and pain during injection compared to the control group. A 60-second compression application after subcutaneous heparin injections is recommended in clinical practice to prevent complications and improve patient care.
Another study tested if cold compression can help patients who had a heart catheter. It had two groups of 100 patients each. One group got cold compression for 15 minutes after the catheter was removed. The other group got nothing. The researchers checked the patients&#; bruising, swelling, and pain at different times. They found that the cold compression group had fewer problems than the other group. They said that cold compression was good for patients and should be used more often.
Cold compression therapy reduces pain and discomfort by numbing the nerves and blocking pain signals. You may feel less pain or no pain at all while using the device or shortly after removing it. The pain relief may last for several hours or days, depending on the type and severity of your condition or injury.
A study compared cold cabbage leaves and hot and cold compresses for breast engorgement, which is a painful swelling of the breasts after childbirth. The study had 60 postnatal mothers who got either cabbage leaves or compresses for 20 minutes three times a day. The researchers checked the breast engorgement and pain before and after each treatment. The results showed that both treatments worked, but compresses were better for pain relief. The study said that both treatments can be used, but compresses may have the edge over cabbage leaves for pain.
Cold compression therapy helps improve the range of motion and function by preventing stiffness and adhesions in the joints and muscles. You may notice more flexibility or mobility while using or after removing the device. The range of motion improvement may last for several hours or days, depending on the type and severity of your condition or injury. Some studies that support this benefit are:
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The article by Bazied et al. () investigates the impact of cold compresses on the recovery of patients who underwent total knee replacement surgery. The authors compared two groups of 60 patients who had the surgery at Luxor International Hospital. One group received cold compresses, and the other group did not.
Using various tools, the authors measured the patients&#; pain level, knee range of motion, and daily activity level. The results showed that the group that received cold compresses had less pain and better outcomes than those that did not.
The authors concluded that cold compresses effectively reduce post-operative pain and enhance recovery after total knee replacement surgery.
Cold compression therapy can enhance healing and recovery by stimulating blood flow, oxygen delivery, and nutrient supply to the tissues. You may notice faster healing or recovery after using or removing the device. The healing acceleration may last for several days or weeks, depending on the type and severity of your condition or injury.
According to a study by Duffield et al. (), cold-water immersion (CWI), full-body compression garments (CG), and sleep-hygiene recommendations can help tennis players recover faster and better after intensive training and match play sessions. The study found that these recovery interventions improved the players&#; time in play, stroke rate, lower-body power, heart rate, blood lactate, perceived soreness, and sleep quantity. The study suggested combining cold and compression therapy with good sleep habits enhances tennis&#;s physical, physiological, and perceptual recovery.
Cold compression therapy is generally safe and effective for pain management, but it also has some potential risks that should be well thought out before use. Some of the possible drawbacks of cold compression therapy are:
Cold compression therapy can cause skin damage, such as frostbite or nerve injury if applied too cold, too long, or too directly to the skin.
To prevent skin damage, some precautions should be taken, such as:
Wrap the cold source in a thin towel or cloth to protect the skin from direct contact
Check the skin frequently for sensation, colour, and temperature changes
Limit the application time to 10 to 20 minutes per session
Allow the skin to return to normal temperature before reapplying the cold source
Avoid cold compression therapy on areas with poor circulation, open wounds, or infections
2
. Tissue DamageCold compression therapy can also cause tissue damage, such as muscle necrosis or nerve palsy if applied too intensely, frequently, or close to major nerves or blood vessels.
To prevent tissue damage, some safety considerations should be followed, such as:
Choose the appropriate temperature range for the therapy, usually between 10°C and 15°C (50°F and 59°F)
Adjust the compression level to a comfortable and effective pressure, not too tight or too loose
Follow the instructions and recommendations of the device manufacturer or the healthcare provider
Monitor the symptoms and outcomes of the therapy and report any adverse effects or complications
Avoid cold compression therapy on areas with nerve disorders, vascular diseases, or diabetes
Cold compression therapy may not be suitable for individuals with specific medical conditions affecting their response or tolerance to cold or compression. Some of the contraindications for cold compression therapy are:
a condition that causes abnormal narrowing of blood vessels in response to cold or stress
a type of allergic reaction that causes hives or swelling when exposed to cold
a condition that causes abnormal proteins in the blood to clump together when exposed to cold
a condition that causes red blood cells to break down when exposed to cold
a condition that causes red blood cells to become sickle-shaped and block blood vessels when exposed to cold
Individuals with these conditions should consult their healthcare provider before using cold compression therapy or seeking alternative methods for pain management.
Tips For Maximizing the Benefits of Cold Compression Therapy
Elevate the affected area above the level of your heart to reduce swelling and improve blood flow.
Wear protective clothing or barriers such as gloves, socks, towels, or plastic bags between your skin and the device to prevent frostbite or skin irritation.
Monitor the skin temperature and colour regularly and adjust the device settings or remove the device if the skin becomes too cold or too pale.
Clean and dry the device and your skin after each use to prevent infection or contamination.
Rest and limit your activity while using cold compression therapy to avoid further injury or strain.
Cold compression therapy is a natural and effective way to reduce pain and swelling and promote healing for various conditions or situations. You can benefit from cold compression therapy by using a high-quality, iceless, and portable device that can deliver precise and consistent cold and hot therapy for faster and easier recovery.
A cold compress involves applying something cold to an injured area, causing the blood vessels to contract and reducing localised inflammation and swelling. Cold temperatures also numb injured tissues, providing pain relief.
When is a cold compress recommended?
A cold compress is useful in situations like recent acute injuries with swelling, osteoarthritis, muscle strains, gout, tendinitis, and migraines.
Avoid using a cold compress on open wounds, when there&#;s an infection, right before vigorous activity, on areas with poor blood circulation, on the left shoulder or around the neck if you have a heart condition, or on areas affected by medical conditions like Raynaud&#;s Syndrome.
Can you use either heat or cold for certain conditions?
Yes, in some situations, you can use heat or cold compresses or even alternate between them in contrast therapy. For example, during the early stages of a bruise, you can apply a cold compress first to reduce inflammation and swelling and follow it with a warm compress to disperse the bruise by increasing blood flow.
When using compresses, follow these guidelines: apply a cold or warm compress for a maximum of 20 minutes, be careful not to damage the skin by using a compress that is too hot or too cold, allow the skin to return to its normal temperature before reapplying, and only use compresses on areas where the skin is not broken. If the compress does not relieve pain, it&#;s best to see a doctor for evaluation.
The answer may vary depending on the type of device, the condition or injury being treated, and your individual response to the treatment. You may generally see some results within minutes or hours of using the device for the first time. You may see more results after repeated use over several days or weeks.
You can combine cold compression therapy with other therapies or compatible and complementary medications, such as physical therapy, massage, acupuncture, anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics, etc. You should avoid combining cold compression therapy with other therapies or medications that are incompatible or contradictory, such as heat therapy, electrical stimulation, blood thinners, etc. Consult your doctor before combining cold compression therapy with other therapies or medications.
A warm compress is something that can be used to apply heat to a specific spot on the body. It can be either moist or dry and encourages blood flow to the area by dilating blood vessels. It has various benefits, like easing muscle and tendon soreness, accelerating healing, and loosening tight muscles.
Warm compresses are suitable for a variety of purposes, including addressing eye problems, muscle spasms and aches, muscle injuries, neck stiffness, upper and lower back pain, tender or swollen joints, tension headaches, sinus congestion, earache due to infection, toothache, and menstrual cramps.
Warm compresses should not be used when swelling or inflammation occurs, as heat can worsen the inflammation. Additionally, avoid using them for acute injuries, when there&#;s a skin condition like eczema that can be triggered by heat, and immediately after vigorous exercise. If there&#;s a medical condition like diabetes, be cautious, as reduced skin sensation can lead to burns if the warm compress is too hot and left on the skin for too long.
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