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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