I am just wondering if there is any danger in using very cold ice packs directly on the skin. I currently use a large family-sized bag of peas and just put it directly on my knees. It is pretty cold, but doesn’t seem too bad. I usually keep it on for about 30 mins. I just seems like if I use a towel or other cover that the area just doesnt get that cold and I feel like its not doing enough. I am thinking about switching to a homemade alcohol/water slush combo which will most likely be even colder. If you tough it out and can stand the really cold packs, is there any danger to your skin or other tissue because of the extreme cold?
My co-worker’s son is a pitcher for UW-Milwaukee. He needed to be treated this summer for frostbite from putting large bags of ice directly on his arm. So, yes, there is a risk.
May I ask why you simply do not run down to Walmart and get an ice pack? Most come with a removable pouch w/ velcro strap to keep it in place. This avoids direct contact.
I use a bandana between the ice pack and skin. It is thin enough that it is still very cold, but enough to protect from tissue damage.
May I ask why you simply do not run down to Walmart and get an ice pack? Most come with a removable pouch w/ velcro strap to keep it in place. This avoids direct contact.
I have a store-bought ice pack, but I never use it. It cost $25, instantly sprung a leak and (most importantly) I feel like it does not make the area cold enough. After I ice with it I wonder if it did as much as it should be doing.
yes, there definately is a danger. I just had a knee surgery and use a cold therapy machine…it regulates the temp of the pad (between 42 and 49 degrees F). Using a thin covering over the skin (i use an ace bandage), I can use it for hours at a time. Dr. said even with this machine not to use it directly on the skin…and its not even as cold as a regular ice pack.
Adam, The comments on frost bite are true - it’s happened to me before using the gel filled ice bags. The very best approach to most healing is to involve some pressue to the icing. There’s this incredible device called a Game Ready - check it out at http://www.gameready.com/
I use the gel ice packs with a towel in between, and then when the ice pack warms up a bit I take off the towel. The gel packs bare right out of the freezer are way too cold to keep on your skin for an extended period.
Adam, The comments on frost bite are true - it’s happened to me before using the gel filled ice bags. The very best approach to most healing is to involve some pressue to the icing. There’s this incredible device called a Game Ready - check it out at http://www.gameready.com/
Jeepers… Only in America could we take a simple ice pack and an ace badage wrapped around it for pressure, and turn it into a pricey gadget that won’t even show it’s price on the web-site! Sign me up for two of 'em!
It sounds absurd but I someone loaned me one for a sustained nagging hamstring injury. I solved my issue in a week and - this is really gonna sound stupid but it’s true - I called Game Ready and became a rep for them. The basic set up is $3000 and I use it to aid recovery during really long or really hard runs and rides. It’s amazing!
A quote straight from the doctor after my sister gave herself frostbite (on her shoulder, ick!) using a ‘chem cold pack’ was “use real ice - it will melt before it gives you frostbite.” So I’ve always used the frozen peas - I agree, it doesn’t feel as cold, but applying pressure (via an ace bandage or bandana) does the trick. Just ice 20 min on, 20 min off for a few repeats… the only bad thing is when my recipe’s call for frozen peas - i hate having to run and get a new icepack at the store! ha!
Not stupid if it’s something you believe in. But for me personally, $3k for the “basic setup” better include a full time message therapist (and, she’s gotta be cute)
I guess it’s probably more for schools or teams that would use it on multiple people regularly, huh?
It looks like an interesting product. Thankfully, knock on wood, my $3 ice pack does the trick for now
i used a freezer pack (the things you use to keep coolers cold) directly on my knee once, thought i was helping my IT band, however i have a scar there now from actually burning the skin. its pretty hardcore (ok maybe not)
