Cold Compress

What are the benefits of Cold Compress?

When it comes to finding relief from minor ailments and injuries, cold compresses can be an effective and cost-efficient tool. Not only are they safe and easy to use, but they can also provide significant benefits in a short amount of time. 

Making a cold compress with materials you can find all around you is also possible. While you'll maybe not delight in the taste of ice in your water, keeping extra ice in the freezer can provide the benefits you need. That is because the ice will help to create a cold compress easily, quickly, and affordably.

How to make and use your own cold compress

To make your own cold compress, you’ll need the following:

• ice (or frozen vegetables)
• washcloth
• water
• plastic bag
• towel

Step 1: Fill zip lock or plastic bags with small ice cubes. Alternatively, you can substitute ice cubes for a bag of frozen food. If you must use a bag of frozen vegetables, fill ice cube trays while you're at it. That way, you'll have a backup when the bag of frozen vegetables thaws. You can also use a towel to make a cold compress if you don’t have ice. Dampen a towel with cold water and place it in a sealable plastic bag and put it in the freezer for at least 15 minutes. 

Step 2: Run a washcloth under cold water and wrap it around the plastic bag of ice. You can also dip the washcloth into an ice tub if you don't believe it is cold against your skin.

Step 3: Place the homemade compress on the affected area for up to 20 minutes.

Step 4: Dry the location with a towel after you've finished. You can also dab the skin as you hold the pack on yourself. The ice may begin to melt quite quickly.

How to use a cold compress for injuries?

Ice for more than 20 minutes at a time is not advised. Alternatively, you can alternate between 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. Do your best to stick to a 48- to 72-hour schedule for recuperation. If you do not experience improvement in as fast as 48 to 72 hours, you must seek further medical treatment.

Also, be sure to follow the other steps in the RICE system if you have an injury:

What are the risks of using a cold compress?

Using cold compresses is one of the easiest ways to treat an injury. Still, there can be unintended side effects if you don’t do use the compress properly.

> Don't apply ice directly to the skin. The ice can damage your skin, leading to additional injury.

>Don’t ice one area for too long. This can lead to frostbite.

>Don't use a cold pack for serious injuries, as your body could have too many changes to support a cold pack.

Keynote:

The pain associated with injuries and muscle cramps can occur from time to time to everyone. Making a compress out of household products, including ice, frozen vegetables, or a frozen towel, takes just a few minutes or so and provides instant relief. It's also a good idea to keep a cold pack in your first-aid kit in case of emergencies. Here at Pro Therapy Supplies, we offer Elastogel products. They are ice wraps made with a flexible, yet durable high glycerine gel enclosed by a stretch material that conforms to the body for maximum heat and cold transfer. You may give us a call at 770-441-808 for assistance.