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Icing is considered an easy and non-invasive mode of treatment. There are various health benefits of icing or ice therapy. From reducing swelling and pain to healing acne and exfoliating the skin, the incredible result of icing the body has made it popular.
Ice cubes, ice packs, and ice therapy machines are commonly used for ice or cold therapy. Patients can also take ice baths as recommended. It is the simplest way of pain management and swelling that a patient can perform at home. Rigorous physical activity makes athletes more prone to tissue injury or swelling. Using ice can effectively reduce these health issues.
Uses of Icing the Body
Cold therapy is pondered as a useful method to treat the following ailments.
- Neck pain
- Tendinitis
- Sprain
- Arthritis pain
- Pain after knee or hip replacement surgery
- Inflammation
- Swelling
- Runner's kneeAcne and Eye puffiness
Benefits of Ice Therapy
The immense benefits of cold therapy cannot be overlooked. The patient can get cryotherapy which is targeted on the specific site using ice therapy machines or whole body therapy. Regular therapy sessions are more effective. Athletes usually perform the treatment once or twice a day. Then go for ten days followed by one time in a month.
- Reduces Migraine and Neck Pain
Applying the ice packs on the neck lowers the temperature of the blood passing through intracranial nerves. Also, ice numbs the nerve endings on these points, reducing migraine and neck pain.
The carotid arteries in the neck are close to the skin, which plays a vital role in reducing the blood temperature and achieving comfort from pain.
- Helpful in Arthritis Pain
Full body icing is considered an effective mode of treatment for some serious conditions such as arthritis. By lowering the entire body's temperature, irritated nerves get numb, which in turn helps reduce the pain to a great extent.
The therapy can be used in combination with physiotherapy and occupational therapy. The therapy is well-tolerated and effective when performed with other therapies. The rehabilitation programs for such patients are more effective and successful.
- Reduces Swelling and Inflammation
Ice therapy constricts the blood vessels, decreasing blood flow to the affected area. In this way, it helps relieve swelling and inflammation. Studies show that adiponectin is a protein produced in the body and has anti-inflammatory properties. Body icing through ice therapy machines increases its production, providing favorable results of reduced inflammation and swelling.
Similarly, ice cubes or ice wraps under the puffy eyes, when applied with mild pressure for a few minutes, reduce swelling under the eyes. Ice enhances the blood circulation to the affected area and gets desired results.
- Treat Acne
Excessive sebum production causes the skin to get oilier. It then makes the skin more susceptible to acne breakout.
I am applying ice cubes to the pimples aids in reducing the acne gradually by lowering the inflammation. On the other hand, the icing makes the pimples less noticeable as ice decreases the pimple's redness. Therefore, icing doesn't only act against spots but also lightens the acne marks quickly.
- Exfoliate the Skin
Ice is the best exfoliator which removes the dead skin and exposes new and fresh skin. Rub the face with water or milk ice cubes; it will instantly give you the desired results.
Lactic acid in milk clears the dead cells and improves the face's natural glow.
- Lowers Blood Glucose Level
Adiponectin has another property of lowering blood glucose levels by regulating high glucose levels in the body. Cold exposure to the body through cryotherapy increases the production of this protein by up to 70%.
In this way, this therapy improves the body's response toward insulin, breaks down the glucose, and clears the blood quickly.
How to Apply Cold Therapy
Ice therapy has been long used to treat several health issues and always delivers the required result. Whether using ice cubes or ice therapy machines, it is important to take some precautions. But after following all the crucial aspects, it is easy for anyone to do it at home.
- Ice Cubes
Ice cubes in plastic bags are the best for ice therapy. Alternatively, frozen bags of vegetables can also be used. Whether it's a sprain or a minor injury, a bag of ice will help you reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation with a speedy recovery.
Ice cubes for the face require just one or two cubes. Take a cloth of light fabric and apply the ice to your face on desired areas.
- Gel Ice Packs
Gel ice packs are like crushed ice and take shape where the containers are placed. Due to its easily foldable nature, it is used to icing the body for the shoulder, elbow, wrist, knee, ankle, and other parts.
These machines help in the treatment of pain and swelling. Ice therapy machines are considered better using two ways: therapeutic cold and targeted compression for treatment.
The user needs to add water and ice to the base of the machines, providing a constant flow of cold water with a little pressure on the affected part. Also, it is easy to maintain the temperature in a device that cannot be achieved when using ice cubes directly.
Its convenience and portability have made it a popular choice with less reliance on medication when recovering from surgery or injury.
Guides for Using Cold Therapy
Using cold therapy correctly can maximize its benefits with less chance of any undesired incident.
- Though cryotherapy is a non-invasive mode of treatment, it is always better to consult to your doctor first.
- Apply ice for 20 minutes as long exposures of ice on the skin can damage the skin. It also constricts the blood from flowing normally, which results in damaged tissues.
- Please do not use the ice directly on the skin as it can cause frostbite.