Injury Rehabilitation

If you suffer with a acute musculoskeletal injury the most beneficial initial management is the use of ice. This is also helps us as clinicians to give a more accurate diagnosis.

Aims: to decrease swelling through vasoconstriction, reduce the pain and control inflammation.

Application of ice:

1. Reusable cold packs
2. Crushed ice bags
3. Contrast baths: this is the transition between cold (15.5C)/ heat (40.5C) therapy for subacute injuries (3 days after initial injury). Thus helping to mediate pain and reduce stiff joints. Always finish on cold therapy to vasoconstrict the blood vessels so less blood pulses through to help reduce swelling to injured area.

Usage: use for up to 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. Do not apply ice directly to the skin.

Recommendation: to also help reduce the swelling it is vital to elevate the injured site higher than your heart.

References: (Bleakley et al., 2004).