I use the Polar Pack by Mid-Lands Chemical Co. It is even recyclable. You
can mold just as you would crushed ice. The first time I used it on myself
it burned my skin, so it's as cold as crushed ice. Since it's moldable I
can form it to body parts with out any problem and when using a strap to
hold it in place actually works better than crushed ice.
I agree that ice massage has great effects. I usually have the patient
perform this technique on their own body, usually upper extremity. I
creates a histamine response very quickly, usually 5 minutes or less. I've
been very satisfied with using ice massage.
Patrick Zerr
http://www.APLUSPT.COM (pass it on)
Find out how to prepare for the National Physical Therapy Exam.
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----- Original Message -----
From: Keith Zenker DC <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Saturday, May 13, 2000 7:36 AM
Subject: Re: Cryotherapy
> In my experience (also) standard gel packs don't provide the needed
cooling to
> the tissue. Crushed ice applied with compression over a moistened tee
shirt type
> material appears to be effective. I have not used more than 30 minutes on,
20
> minutes off. The primary factors seem to revolve around patient
compliance, skin
> sensitivity, area of injury and stage of injury.
>
> The more generalized and acute the inflammation the more the need for
passive
> application . As soon as the generalized inflammatory response reduces
> (localization) I have found the use of specific active ice massage
accelerates
> tissue remodeling. I use various ice shape molds (depending on the
tissue),
> incorporating active cross friction type movements with intense
co-activation.
> This is very effective in eliciting a tissue remodeling response. This is
> especially effective for chronic inflamed nodular tendon, ligament and
> myofascial lesions that effect proprio stability.
>
> I am curious as to how many therapists use ice massage in this manor ?
>
> Sincerely:
>
> Keith Zenker D.C.
> (private practice)
> Santa Cruz CA
> 831-462-3344
> [log in to unmask]
>
> > saspinall wrote:
> > 1) Ice packs should be applied to the skin for 20-30 mins (toes/fingers)
or
> > 30-40 mins, less than this will provide inadequate time to cool the
injured
> > tissues and lead to a less than optimal treatment.
> >
> > 2) Failure to apply ice packs (not gel packs) directly to the skin
> > (e.g.without any sort of wrap) will result in less than optimal cooling
> > (obviously this cannot be done over superficial nerves).
> >
> >
>
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