AthletePlus - Springdale, Arkansas - Athlete Plus - Physical Therapy - Sports Training - Athlete Plus - Speed Training - AthletesPlus - Core Training
| AthletePlus - Springdale, Arkansas - Athlete Plus - Physical Therapy - Sports Training - Athlete Plus - Speed Training - AthletesPlus - Core Training |
Phone: 479-751-THER (8437) |
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| How Long Should I Leave the Ice On? The length of time varies depending on the person, the injury area, and type of cold treatment. Read more  Do NOT leave ice on for longer than 30 minutes. Application time depends on length of time varies depending on the person, the injury area, and type of cold treatment. 10 to 20 minutes should be sufficient time. With most golf injuries involving the back, apply ice as soon as the injury occurs. How Long Do I Ice? A period 10-20 minutes at a time should be sufficient. You can ice for 10-20 minutes on and then off for 10-20 minutes as many times as needed. Do NOT ever leave ice on for more than 30 minutes at a time on any body part. Some studies have shown that you must apply the ice immediately to get the positive effects of ice. Frostbite has occurred when leaving ice on for as much as an hour. (see When is Ice Not Cool?) Older individuals with possible skin irritation should stay closer to 10 minutes and some should avoid ice all together. Bony areas or individuals with little body fat should stay at the lower end of treatment times. The application of a cold pack reduces local muscular blood-flow by approximately 50% after 10 minutes, which is the desired effect when swelling occurs.1 A recent study showed that using ice with a cold towel for repeated treatments of 10 minutes was most effective.2 One study showed that ice is effective, but should be applied in repeated applications of 10 minutes to be most effective, avoid side effects, and prevent possible further injury.1 Related Articles When Not to Use Ice? Should I Use a Bag of Ice or Buy a Gel Pack? Can Applying Heat to an Injury be Harmful? REFERENCES 1. Thorsson O. Cold therapy of athletic injuries. Current literature review. Lakartidningen (Sweden), Mar 28 2001, 98(13) p1512-3. 2. Mac Auley. DC Ice therapy: how good is the evidence? [In Process Citation] Int J Sports Med (Germany), Jul 2001, 22(5) p379-84. This article is provided for information and entertainment purposes only. The content is provided "as is" for general information and to educate the reader. The article is not intended to serve as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The content should not be considered complete and should not be relied on to suggest a course of treatment for a particular individual suffering from a particular problem, issue or medical need. The reader should always consult with a qualified health care provider familiar with the reader's general health, background and conditions and follow the advice given by the health care provider. Always consult with your physician or other qualified health care provider before starting a new diet, treatment or fitness program. Do not delay seeking specific advice or care or disregard the advice of your health care provider based on information contained in this article. |
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