Cold Compression Devices
Continuous Cold Therapy Devices (also called ice machines) which circulate ice water through a pad are currently the subject of class action law suits for skin and tissue damage caused by excessive cooling/icing time and lack of temperature control. Reported injuries range from frost-bite to severe tissue damage resulting in amputation. Device Brand Names include: DonJoy Iceman, BREG Polar Care, and EBice cold therapy systems.
Studies have shown that the body activates the hunting response after only 10 minutes of cryotherapy, at temperatures less than 49F (9.5C). The hunting response is a cycle of vasoconstriction (decreased blood flow), then vasodilation (increased blood flow) that increases the delivery of Oxygen and nutrient rich blood to the tissue. Increased blood flow can slow cell death, limit tissue damage and aid in the removal of cellular debris and waste products. Under normal circumstances the hunting response would be essential to tissue health but only serves to increase pain, inflammation and cell death as excess blood is forced into the area.
Read more about this topic: Cold Compression Therapy
Famous quotes containing the words cold, compression and/or devices:
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—Anna Quindlen (b. 1952)
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—Samuel Beckett (1906–1989)
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—Jean Arp (1887–1948)