IceMan CLEAR3
DonJoy
$
185
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No Rental Options
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Requires Ice & Water
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No Temperature Control
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No Compression
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No Run Time Settings
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Use Thin Barrier
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Plug-In/Unplug
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9 x 9.5 x 11 inches
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16.5 lbs
Popular
Polar Care Wave
Breg
$
350
SPECIAL ADD TO CART PRICE
-
$252.00
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Requires Ice & Water
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2 Cold Settings
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Optional Compression
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No Run Time Settings
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Skin Safe
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Mechanical Buttons
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7.5 x 7.5 x 11 inches
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16 lbs
Skelerec
Nice1 Recovery
Nice
$
3,725
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$560.00
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Just Add Water
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5 Cold Settings
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Intermittent or Constant Options
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Manual & Present Timers
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Skin Safe
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Touch Screen
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8 x 8 x 8 inches
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10 lbs
Cryotherapy on Musculoskeletal Recovery
Most of us have heard of, and applied, R.I.C.E. -Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. The adage’s staying power is well earned, as numerous studies have shown the benefits of the local application of both cold and compression therapies after an acute muscle injury or orthopaedic surgery.
Biological Response to cold + Compression
Cryotherapy suppresses the metabolic rate of the surrounding soft tissue, decreasing inflammation and pain. Similarly, compression achieves a reduction of blood flow and swelling by promoting the movement of edema to non compressed tissue. When combined, the modalities enhance the effects of the other: increasing both the temperature reduction and speed of lymph evacuation [1].
This response has measurable effects on muscle recovery and pain levels. Cryotherapy has been demonstrated to reduce the amount of pain medication taken, improve sleep, accelerate healing time, and help patients get the most out of physical therapy [2].
BENEFITS OF A MOTORIZED COLD THERAPY DEVICE
The role of cold therapy in pain management is easily understood. Almost without exception, the use of cold
compression therapy following either acute injury or orthopaedic surgery results in improved clinical outcomes [1]. Deciding to take advantage of the improvements made to cryotherapy methods is more of a personal decision. After all, consistent and intermittent cooling are suggested to be equally as effective in managing common consequences of soft tissue trauma [3], so why not just prepare a bag of ice?
One study found participants that used a motorized cold therapy device were more consistent with their cooling
regimen, were more satisfied with the process, and were more likely to recommend the device [3]. Furthermore, devices that incorporate intermittent compression with cryotherapy provide the patient with the optimal marriage of comfort and quick return to function [1]. Compared to constant compression, dynamic intermittent compression improves soft tissue exchanges and decreases the risk of skin necrosis [4]. Intermittent compression has also been shown to provide better pain control [4]
YOU DECIDE
When the benefits of cold therapy are so clear, the decision comes down to personal motivation and follow-through. For many, anything that makes it a little easier to follow your physician’s protocol is worth an added investment. For others, the financial burden is paramount. At skelehealth, our main goal is just to provide you with the information you need to make the decision that is right for your and your family. We let you ask yourself:
Why Do I Want This Outcome?
What Do I Gain? / What Do I Lose?
What If I Did Nothing? / What If I Succeed?
The Opioid Dilemma
Facts about Opioids
Opioids are medications that reduce the perceived intensity of pain. Opioids also cause an euphoric high by activating the reward centers of the brain. This high underlies the potential for misuse and addiction. In fact, opioids are very similar to heroin from a chemical standpoint [5].
While patients can often use opioids to safely manage pain, it is possible to develop a substance use disorder even when used as directed.
Anyone can become addicted and the risk of dependence increases the more regularly opioids are used [6]. Short-term medical use -a few days following surgery- rarely leads to an opioid use disorder, but regular use -multiple times a day for several weeks or more- can lead to a dependence [5]. As such it is important to find safer ways to manage pain.
TALK WITH YOUR DOCTOR
Your doctor will work with you to develop a plan to treat your pain. Ask about the risks and benefits of opioid use, as well as the role of non opioid pain management options. Noteably, cold therapy is an effective option to manage pain.
RESOURCES
Block JE. Cold and compression in the management of musculoskeletal injuries and orthopedic operative procedures: a narrative review. Open Access J Sports Med. 2010;1:105-113. Published 2010 Jul 7. doi:10.2147/oajsm.s11102
Waterman, B, Walker, J, Swaims, C, Shortt, M, Todd, M, Machen, S. Owens, B. The efficacy of combined cryotherapy and compression compared with cryotherapy alone following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. J Knee Surg 2012;25: 155-160.
Bech M, Moorhen J, Cho M, Lavergne MR, Stothers K, Hoens AM. Device or ice: the effect of consistent cooling using a device compared with intermittent cooling using an ice bag after total knee arthroplasty. Physiother Can. 2015;67(1):48-55. doi:10.3138/ptc.2013-78
Murgier, J., Cassard, X.. Cryotherapy with dynamic intermittent compression for analgesia after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Orthopaedics & Traumatology: Surgery & Research 100 (2014) 309-212.
NIDA. What classes of prescription drugs are commonly misused?. National Institute on Drug Abuse website. https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/misuse-prescription-drugs/what-classes-prescription-drugs-are-commonly-misused. June 16, 2020 Accessed February 24, 2021.
CDC. Take Action to Prevent Addiction. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/pdf/Prevent-Addiction-Fact-Sheet.pdf. Accessed February 24, 2021.
