Life Science Encyclopedia

Cold compression therapy combines two of the principles of R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) to reduce pain and swelling from a sports or activity injury to soft tissues. The therapy is especially useful for sprains, strains, pulled muscles and pulled ligaments.

Cold compression wraps should be used for 20 minutes every two hours the first day a soft tissue injury occurs. Thereafter they should be used 2 to 3 times a day until pain and swelling diminishes.

Cold Compression is a combination of cryotherapy and compression, and other uses also include surgeries.

See also

• Rotator cuff
• Torn rotator cuff
• Tennis elbow
• Achilles tendinitis
• Repetitive strain injury
• Plantar fasciitis
• Sprain
• Strain (injury)

References

• J Arthoplasty, 2006 Dec:21 (8):1175-9
• Orthopedics, 1998 Jan:21 (1): 59-61
• Clinical Orthopaedics & Related Research, 1993: Dec 297:174-178
• American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine 34: 1953-1969 (2006)
• American Journal of Sports Medicine 27: 357-362 (1999)
• American Journal of Sports Medicine 29: 288-291) (2001)