Ice Packs vs. Cold Therapy Devices

Commonly used to reduce swelling after surgery, ice therapy is a key part of the treatment process.  However, the method and application of ice varies – from homemade ice packs to expensive cryotherapy devices.  Though they appear functionally similar, one can result often result in further, more serious damage.  While ice bags provide limited cooling, cold therapy devices maintain freezing temperatures, causing severe injuries such as frost bite and permanent nerve damage. 

There are many different methods of ice application.  Homemade ice packs can be prepared by placing crushed or flaked ice into a small plastic bag.  A bag of frozen peas or corn can make a great substitute, as well – this method is both easy and inexpensive.  Fully sealed gel packs can be purchased at most drugstores, and later frozen.  With these methods of cold therapy, the ice or gel will gradually melt, limiting the duration of application and ensuring the affected area doesn’t get too cold.

Another method of ice therapy is a re-circulating ice cooler made by Breg®, EBIce®, or Donjoy®.  Patients fill the portable cooler with ice and water, and a motor within the unit circulates the icy water through plastic tubing into a contoured pad.  Unlike melting ice packs, these cryotherapy devices provide constant icy temperatures to the affected area for lengthy periods of time.

If cold therapy devices are used too long, or at too cold of a temperature, patients can sustain serious injuries such as nerve damage, chronic pain, or frost bite.  With little or no instruction or warnings, users may subject the skin and underlying nerves to very cold temperatures for extended periods of time.  Because cryotherapy can desensitize the affected area, serious injuries can occur without the patient’s immediate knowledge.

There have been many documented cases of skin and nerve damage due to cold therapy devices.  If you or someone you know has been injured by using this method of ice therapy, contact our firm today for a free initial case evaluation.