Cold Therapy

Cold Therapy for Minor Injuries

Cold is one of the simplest and most widely used treatments for minor injuries. After a sprain, strain, or bruise, the body responds with swelling around the injured area. Cooling the area narrows nearby blood vessels, which helps limit swelling, and it slows nerve signals, which helps relieve pain.

Ice packs work well at home, but they need a freezer and time to set up. For immediate relief on the field, in the clinic, or in the training room, many athletic trainers, coaches, and physical therapists use a cold spray instead.

Gebauer's Instant Ice is a non-prescription, non-flammable cold spray that cools the skin within seconds and is used the way you would use ice. It provides temporary relief from minor pain and swelling associated with sprains, strains, bruising, contusions, minor sports injuries, and muscle spasms. The 3.9 oz steel can fits easily in a gym bag or first aid kit, and its stream spray nozzle lets you target the exact spot that needs relief. Buy 12 or more and save.

Applying freezing temperatures to injuries has long since been the standard therapy for rehabilitating injuries. After your body senses an injury, it naturally swells to protect the area but often the swelling does not stop. Ice pack treatments help limit swelling as cold temperatures constrict tissues and veins which slow down blood flow. Cold pack treatments also slow nerve impulses and numb the damaged tissues which provide much needed pain relief.