MILD COLD THERAPY IS BETTER THAN ICE

Warmer Temperatures in Cold-Therapy Decreases Incidence of Post-Surgical Complications

Redding, CA (prHWY.com) December 5, 2011 - While it's a common practice to use ice-therapy as a way to decrease swelling after surgery, does the skin surface temperature really matter? If cold is good, isn't colder better? Many doctors say "No". Ice is too cold and a milder temperature is better when applying cold-therapy to patients, post-surgically.

Cold-therapy is meant to reduce pain and post-surgical swelling. Its merits must be weighed against the potential negative aspects of the therapy. There are many cold gel-pack products available for doctors to choose from. Most available gel-packs will initially bring the skin temperature down to freezing temperatures similar to ice. However, there are instances where skin and nerve damage have been caused by the ice-therapy.

While there is much clinical support of the efficacy of cold-therapy, there is less widespread understanding of the proper skin temperature range within which the cold-therapy best helps to decrease pain and swelling. Some orthopedic doctors believe that the optimum skin temperature range not only promotes healing, but the relatively warmer temperature range also avoids potential issues with water condensation which can occur using ice or frozen gel-packs.

An independent study relating to Reusable Cold Therapy Packs performed by ERCI Institute and compiled for Plymouth Hospital, stated that the koolPAKâ„¢ by SunMedica "will initiate treatment at a warmer temperature.....compared with other cold packs, even when stored in a freezer at the same temperature." The koolPAKâ„¢ offers several advantages over frozen gel packs such as increasing patient comfort with a warmer skin temperature and eliminating condensation as well. It is well accepted in the medical community that condensation can soil the surgical dressing. Eliminating condensation caused by ice or frozen gel-packs will help eliminate this potential vehicle for infection.

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If you'd like more information on this topic please feel free to contact SunMedica Customer Service at 530-229-1600 or email marketing@sunmedica.com.

Tag Words: cold therapy, koolpak

Categories: Medical

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