One way to combat opioid misuse is utilizing other resources to treat pain. In fact, in a 2019 study an estimated 10.1 million people ages 12 and older misused opioids within the past year. However, with the growing epidemic of opioid abuse, many physical therapists are getting creative with treating pain without additional medication. Between surgical pain and recovery pain, many surgeons will prescribe opioids to manage pain levels. The goal of physical therapy is to help get patients mobile and fully recovered, but, getting patients moving post-surgery is difficult. However, utilizing cold compression therapy can help with surgical recovery, as well as recovery between physical therapy sessions. While the PT will work with the patient toward recovery, sometimes sessions can be painful or lead to soreness. It’s not uncommon for patients who have undergone a surgery to be required to attend physical therapy. Surgical Recovery is One Way to Utilize Cold Compression Kits. Learn more about our cold therapy gel packs here. PowerPlay utilizes gel packs instead of ice, allowing physical therapists to freeze the packs in a freezer and then treat patients in a manner without mold, water, or extra messes. ![]() Also, access to ice can be difficult without a large ice machine to rely on. For one, ice and water are messy and can lead to mold on wraps unless wraps are cleaned each day and laid out flat to dry. However, logistically in a physical therapy office, ice can cause additional issues. Ice is typically used for inexpensive cold therapy. Ice should only be applied in 20 minute increments. Cold therapy decreases circulation, which reduces swelling but can also alleviate muscle spasms or cramping. By decreasing pain, PTs can rely less on prescribed narcotics and instead rely on natural means of restoring the body. Learn more about cold compression therapy benefits here.Ĭold therapy machines aid in pain and swelling, allowing for productive physical therapy sessions.Īs stated above, intermittent pneumatic compression improves overall circulation, however adding cold therapy to the equation adds additional benefits to this type of treatment.Ĭryotherapy alleviates pain, while reducing swelling, allowing for a faster recovery. Here are a few additional benefits of this simple treatment: ![]() This type of treatment can be carried out on any joint including back, knees, ankles, elbows, or wrists. The combination also stimulates blood flow, increasing healing. ![]() Additional benefits include reducing pain, swelling, and edema. For physical therapy, this can help patients recover between PT sessions. Studies have shown that the combination of cold therapy and compression therapy recover from surgery or injury much faster. Applying ice also prevents tissue damage caused by hypoxia, due to the decrease in the soft tissue’s metabolism. Other benefits from cryotherapy include reducing the size of bruising because it slows down blood flow to an injured area. For more information about getting this product for your patient's, please call Medical Solutions Supplier 80.)/Type/Annot/AP>endobj134 0 obj/ProcSet>/Type/XObject/BBox/FormType 1>stream
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