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Inflammation and Cold Therapy

April 15, 2013

The truth is that no one is a stranger to the aches and pains of the human body. You don’t have to be an athlete to experience swelling or inflammation on different parts of your body. Much like your body’s response to bad food bacteria is food poisoning, your body’s defense to tissue injury is inflammation. The swelling that occurs with inflammation is also accompanied by pain and heat.

Doctors may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications, but one of the quickest and most effective ways to combat inflammation is cryotherapy – or simply just put some ice on it!

Here are some tips on when to use COLD THERAPY.

  • Post Workout/Activity
  • Sprains/Bruising/Swelling
  • Shin Splints
  • Tennis Elbow
  • Migraine Headaches/Toothaches
  • Minor Burns/Sunburns

If you still aren’t sure about when to use COLD THERAPY, take into account whether your injury is acute or chronic.

For acute injuries (sudden onset pain that is usually short-lived), use cold therapy for pain relief immediately following the injury.

  • Immediately following an injury or trauma
  • After physical activity
  • For pain relief

For chronic injuries (longer lasting, may include dull ache when at rest) use cold after physical activity.

When COLD THERAPY is applied, blood flow is decreased which helps reduce pain, swelling, inflammation and bruising. Cryotherapy is a quick way to reduce many aches and pains that our body endures. Know when to use ice and when to use heat! Find more info in our Hot/Cold 101 section!