Cold Pack Therapy

The cold pack used in cold pack therapy basically consists of water. In water, for producing an extremely low temperature in the ice pack, ammonium nitrate fertilizer is used, which is wrapped in a plastic tube or bag. When the pack is hit against the body, the tube breaks and the water mixes with the fertilizer. Due to the endothermic (heat absorbing) reaction produced, the temperature falls to about 35 F (1.6 Degree Celsius) for 10 - 15 minutes. Cold pack therapy is commonly used for carpal tunnel syndrome and other mild throbbing, ache, sore, and excruciating pain or burning.

Cold Pack Therapy for Different Parts of the Body
Cold pack therapy can be used for eye aches and aches due to sinus pressure. Migraines and dental pain can also be relived with cold pack therapy. This therapy is also beneficial for swelling, inflammation, sports injuries, etc. In case of stiff shoulder movement or dislocated shoulder, most people turn to cold pack therapy to get relief from pain and discomfort. It also comes in handy for treating shoulder pain and repetitive overhead activity.

Cold pack therapy provides effective solution for the following medical conditions.

For elbow disorders:

• Tennis elbow
• Elbow sprains
• Tendinitis
• Elbow tendon injuries

Apart from mild injuries of the elbow, this therapy is used for:

• Wrist tendinitis
• Swelling and ligaments pain

Cold pack therapy also helps in easing back injuries and aches such as:

• Acute back pain
• Back strain
• Muscular-skeletal disorders of the body
• Degenerative arthritis and herniated discs

This therapy finds its application in treating various disorders of hip, knee, thigh, ankle and heel and foot such as:

• Arthritis, hip pain, muscle pulls and hip pointers
• Joint soreness, pain arising due to knee replacement, ache from tears in the ligaments and knee arthritis
• Swelling from sprained ankle, discomfort arising after ankle surgery and Achilles tendinitis
• Disorders of heel and foot, causing swelling and inflammation, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and aching joints and tendons

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
As mentioned earlier, cold pack therapy is most beneficial for treating a disorder known as carpal tunnel syndrome. This syndrome is defined as a painful disorder caused by compression of a nerve in the carpal tunnel. This is characterized by discomfort and weakness in the hands and fingers and by sensations of tingling, burning or numbness. If the disorder is at a mild stage then this therapy is sufficient enough to provide adequate relief that is needed. Cold packs that are used in the therapy not only lessen the intensity of pain but also help in reducing swelling on the median nerve. This provides temporary relief around the wrist.

The cold packs must be administered to the affected area at intervals of 10 - 20 minutes. It is always recommended to use a towel or similar cloth for applying cold pack therapy to the skin. This is to avoid direct contact of the cold pack with skin, which might otherwise cause pain and damage due to extreme cold. This method of using a towel and the like may not treat the entire area, but it is better than making conditions worse. Applying an extra cloth for the therapy can turn out to be messy, so many companies have manufactured medicinal products based on cold pack therapy. These products are available at reasonable prices.

Thus, you can see that cold pack therapy can be applied to different parts of the body. This therapy does not cure the medical conditions, but aids in pain relief and healing process. The extreme cold that is used in this therapy, basically numbs the aching part and reduces the intensity of painful signals reaching the brain. This way, the user feels less or no pain at all, after applying the cold pack therapy. It is definitely better than taking any kind of painkillers or other medicines, as it is one of the natural treatments for providing relief from pain and strain.