COLD COMPRESSION THERAPY UNIT

HOW DOES IT WORK?

• Applied 24-72 hours after acute injury/surgery
• While re-chilling water, tissue can rewarm; some units are motorized
• Static external compression and cold application
• Contour to specific areas and very convenient cold compression method
• Filled with chilled water to apply 40mm Hg circumferentially

Physiological Affects

• Decrease cell metabolism
• Combined with compression and elevation=edema reduction
• Reduce the release of inflammatory mediators
• Reduce the release of cellular byproducts
• Decrease pain by reducing nerve conduction velocity

Physiological Affects

• Increase the threshold of nerve endings
• Increase local vasoconstriction
• Deeper tissues require longer treatment time
• No less than two hours between treatments
• Prevent formation of swelling

Physiological Affects

• Increase depth of penetration from compression
• Decrease recovery time
• Increase in rang of motion

Indications

• Acute injury or inflammation
• Acute or chronic pain
• Post-surgical pain and edema

contraindications

• Cardiac or respiratory involvment
• Uncovered open wounds
• Circulatory insufficiency
• Cold allergy or hypersensitivity
• Anesthetized skin

Precautions

• Avoid too much pressure
• Check patient regularly for neuropathy
• Skin temperatures might not reach therapeutic levels
• Ø Note: knee appliances are designed to prevent pressure on popliteal vein
• Ø Compression of this vein can cause edema in lower extremity