Ice Therapy For Muscle And Joint Injuries

By Dr. John A. Papa, DC, FCCPOR(C)
 

Ice therapy is an effective self-care treatment strategy for muscle and joint injuries.  It is commonly  used for acute injuries (within the first 72 hours), but can also be very helpful in managing flare-ups of chronic problems, and as a preventative measure following activities or exercise.

 

Ice therapy reduces the amount of swelling and inflammation at the injury site and also acts as an anesthetic to provide pain relief.  Icing as soon as possible after an injury will help with speeding up recovery time, and minimize the chances of secondary problems such as muscle spasm and joint irritation.

 

Below are some helpful  tips that should be followed when using ice therapy:

 

·        Crushed ice and ice cubes are ideal sources of ice because they easily mold around an injury site and can stay cold for long periods of time.  Commercial ice/gel packs and frozen vegetable bags are good secondary choices when crushed ice or cubes are not available.

·        Use compression when applying ice to an injury site.  Compression is most easily achieved with an elastic tensor bandage to add support and slow swelling.  The principles of elevating and resting the injured site should also be followed during initial injury management.

·        Ideal ice application time is 10 to 20 minutes.  There should also be a period of 10 to 20 minutes or more where there is no ice application before icing is done again so that skin temperature can return to normal.  This cycle can be repeated as often as necessary within the first 24 to 72 hours after injury or activity.

 

Below are some precautions that should be followed with ice therapy:

 

·        Ice should never be applied directly over the skin for a prolonged period of time as this can damage skin tissue.  A wet towel can safely be used as a barrier between the ice and skin and acts as an excellent conductor of cold.

·        Ice should never be applied on blisters, open cuts or sores.

·        Ice should not be applied before exercise or activity as this impairs your body’s ability to detect proper joint and muscle function, making one more susceptible to further injury.

·        Ice therapy should not exceed the treatment time recommended as prolonged exposure can reverse the positive effects of ice and can lead to possible frostbite.

·        Special care must be taken when icing the elbow, wrist, knee, or foot as superficial nerves in these areas can become irritated or damaged with prolonged icing.

·        People hypersensitive or allergic to cold and those who have a circulation problem should avoid ice.

 

If you have a muscle and joint injury that is not resolving, a qualified health professional can determine the cause of your pain and prescribe appropriate therapy and rehabilitation strategies specifically for your circumstance.  For more information, visit www.nhwc.ca.  From all of us at the New Hamburg Wellness Centre, have a safe and enjoyable summer!

 

This article is a basic summary for educational purposes only.  It is not intended, and should not be considered, as a replacement for consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a duly licensed health practitioner.

Laser Therapy

Class IV K-Lasers deliver specific red and near-infrared wavelengths of laser light to induce a therapeutic effect within the body. The painless application of laser energy has been shown to:

• decrease pain
• reduce swelling/inflammation and
• enhance tissue repair

It does this by increasing microcirculation, allowing more red blood cells with oxygen to reach injured tissues to help with healing. It will also increase venous and lymphatic drainage from the injured region. At the cellular level, it stimulates enzymes which will improve the rate at which energy is made in the cell. More energy in the cell means a quicker healing process.

 

Numerous studies show that Laser Therapy can help with:

- Low Back Pain & Sciatica - Neck Pain & Headaches - Mid & Upper Back Pain - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Muscle Strains & Spasms - Repetitive Stress Injuries - Osteoarthritis & Bursitis - Shoulder & Elbow Pain - Wrist & Hand Conditions - Hip & Knee Pain - Ankle Sprains - Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain - Fibromyalgia - Sports Injuries - Auto & Work Related Injuries - Post-surgical Healing       PATIENT EDUCATION VIDEO         FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT LASER THERAPY   Q: Does it hurt? What does a treatment feel like? A: There is little or no sensation during treatment. Occasionally one feels a mild, soothing warmth or tingling. Areas of pain or inflammation may be sensitive briefly before pain reduction.   Q: Are there any side effects or associated risks? A: During more than twenty years of use by healthcare providers all over the world, very few side effects have ever been reported. Occasionally some old injuries or pain syndromes may feel aggravated for a few days, as the healing response is more active after treatment.   Q: How many treatments does it take? A: This depends on the nature of the condition being treated. For some acute conditions 1 to 6 treatments may be sufficient. Those of a more chronic nature may require 10 to 14 (or more) treatments. Certain conditions such as severe arthritis may require ongoing periodic care to control pain.   Q: Can it be used in conjunction with other forms of treatment? A: Yes. Laser Therapy is often used with other forms of treatment, including Rehabilitative Exercise and Physical Therapy, Active Release Therapy (ART), Graston Soft Tissue Therapy, and Standard Chiropractic Treatments. These other healing modalities are complementary and can be used with laser to increase the effectiveness of the treatment.   Q: Am I covered under my Extended Health Care Plan (EHC) for Laser Therapy? A: Many EHC insurance policies cover chiropractic care. This would also include Laser Therapy services which would be billed under the chiropractic coverage umbrella.   Q: Has effectiveness been demonstrated scientifically? A: Yes. There are thousands of published studies demonstrating the clinical effectiveness of Laser Therapy. Among these, there are more than one hundred rigorously controlled, scientific studies that document the effectiveness of laser for many clinical conditions.     For more information on K-Laser Therapy visit:  http://www.k-laser.com/medical-patients