Cold therapy - procedure PDF

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COLD TERAPHY Descri pt i onoft heprocedur e/ t opi c There are variety of cold (cryotherapy) modalities, such as moist cold compresses, chemical or cold packs, electromechanical or compression devices, or cold soak immersion of a body part. Cold therapy treats localized inflammatory responses that lead to edema, hemorrhage, muscle spasm, or pain. Cold exerts a profound physiological effect on the body, reducing inflammation caused by injuries to the musculoskeletal system. Because reduction of inflammation is the primary goal, cryotherapy is the treatment of choice for the first 24 to 48 hours after an injury. When used appropriately, cold applications significantly lessen pain and immobility by reducing swelling of injured tissues. This is an important point for nurses to know when choosing heat or cold for the treatment of acute injuries. Cold is also indicated as an adjunct analgesic for chronic pain and spasticity control. Cold application is the application of cold agent, cooler than skin either in a moist or dry form on the surface of the body to relieve pain and body temperature, to anaesthetize an area, to check hemorrhage, to control growth of bacteria, to prevent gangrene, to prevent edema and reduce inflammation. When cold is applied, it causes a decrease in temperature or heat to the area of application. This decrease results in reduced blood flow or a slowing of circulation to an area, referred to as vasoconstriction. This can cause a decrease in inflammation and reduced pain.Application of cold means using an agent on the skin that is cooler than the skin. the application is either moist or dry. it can be applied to procedure a local or systemic effect or both.It is a local moist cold application. It may be sterile or unsterile. Sterile cold compresses are applied over open wounds or breaks in the skin. Cold compresses are made out of folded layers of gauze, lint piece or old soft linen, wring out of cold or ice water or in some evaporating lotion. The use of cold can be used in an acute complaint or injury to decrease pain, to reduce muscle spasms, and to help break up a bruised area. Ice packs, ice cubes, or ice cups can all be used for cold applications in your massage.

From a hands-on approach, cold applications can be effective when there is swelling or edema in an area, or the client is complaining of a knot, muscle spasm, or trigger point that they may want you to address during their massage. When you apply a cold application, it's important to remember to take a minute to explain to your client what they will experience and in what order. I ndi cat i onsf orCol dTher apy  Acute and severe injuries – from the moment of the injuring up to 3 days after  As long as pain, heat and swelling are still present  Sprains, strains and bruises  Repetitive use conditions/Overuse injuries and flare-ups i.e.) tendinitis.  Carpal tunnel syndrome  Migraine headaches  During exercise in hot environment - cool down with fans, ice packs and cold towels  To decrease swelling/edema following trauma. Cooling in water at 8ºC for 30 minutes decreases edema  To treat burns  Relieves pain  Prevent gangrene  Control hemorrhage.  Control the growth of bacteria  Reduces the body temperature  Anaesthetize an area Examples of cold applications Cold applications should not be used for longer than 30 minutes at a time.

1. Cold Gel Pack/Ice pack: wrap in a towel to prevent frost bite, place and hold over the area, ice packs contain crushed or chipped ice and are more efficient than commercial gel packs. 2. Cold Arm/Foot Bath: size of container depends on body part, great for awkward bony areas such as elbows, hands and ankles; immerse the body part for up to 1 minute; dry thoroughly afterwards. Wrapping body part in a towel can help insulate it while in the cold water. 3. Ice Cup: take a paper cup filled with water and put it in the freezer; when frozen tear a way paper to expose ice as you massage/stroke it over affected area. Best suited for muscle injury and larger area. PurposeofCol dTher apy o When applied locally (to affected area) it reduces the temperature of the skin, then the muscles and joints o Effect may last up to 45 minutes after cold source is removed o

Restricts blood flow to the area by narrowing the blood vessels (vasoconstriction)

o Decrease inflammation, swelling and muscle spasm. o Reduces bleeding o Decreases pain o Causes a temporary stimulating effect o Slows or stops bleeding o Slows bacterial activity in clients with an infection o Relieves pain following some types of surgery, tooth extraction, headache, or muscle or joint injury o Reduces swelling in injured tissues, including sprains and fractures. o Prevents peristalsis in clients with abdominal inflammation o Relieves pain in engorged breaths o Controls pain and fluid loss in the initial treatment of burns o Diminishes muscle contraction and muscle spasms

o Promotes vasoconstriction o Increases blood viscosity o Decreases tissue metabolism o Has a local anesthetic effect o Decreases muscle tension o To control the growth of bacteria o To prevent edema o To reduce inflammation...