I.C.E. DOWN Ice Wraps

Cryotherapy is one of the oldest methods for treating injuries and pain, and remains one of the best. Today's cryotherapy works on the same principles that it did hundreds of years ago, with the only real change being the delivery method. Cryotherapy is the best first aid for injuries, is used during the healing phase, can safely and effectively treat chronic pain, and is used in post-surgical healing.

Using Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is also referred to as cold therapy and you may know it simply as icing.

During the acute phase, higher metabolism in the area uses up all of the oxygen and leads to cell death. Cooling an injury slows down the local metabolism, reduces inflammation and swelling, and relieves the pain.

It is generally recommended to ice an injury immediately, for 15 to 20 minutes, and to repeat the icing three to four times a day for the first few days, then to use ice as needed for the pain. Cryotherapy is also used during the rehabilitative phase, to prevent the pain and inflammation which occur when you stretch and exercise the affected area.

Delivering Cold

You have probably fashioned an ice pack on-the-fly, using plain ice, a towel, and, if you were lucky, a plastic bag. If so, you know how cumbersome and messy it is. You may even keep a bag of frozen peas in the freezer for emergencies.

If that is all you have access to when the need arises, it is certainly worth using. However, to get the full benefits of cryotherapy, you need a cold source that conforms to the shape of the injured body part, for full coverage of the area. Your ice wrap must stay cold enough, long enough for the cold to penetrate into the deep tissues.

I.C.E. DOWN Ice Wraps

I.C.E.DOWN ice wraps are designed to fit specific body parts. Our unique gel formula forms ice crystals, so it gets very cold, but it also remains flexible. The wraps stay securely and comfortably in place, and can be worn over your clothes without getting your clothes wet. The ice packs have a short re-charge time in the freezer.

When Cryotherapy is Inappropriate

Cryotherapy is not for everyone. Under certain circumstances, or if you have certain health conditions, cryotherapy can be dangerous. Examples include:

• Compromised local circulation
• Vasosspastic diseases including Raynaud's
• Hypersensitivity to cold
• When unconscious
• If there is already a loss of sensation in the area

To learn more about cryotherapy or to place an order, please visit our online store today.