Cold therapy, cold to reduce swelling

Cold therapy

Cold therapy is the use of cold, such as an ice pack wrapped in cloth, to calm swelling and pain. The cold narrows blood vessels for a while, which helps settle a fresh, angry injury.

This matters most in the early days after a sprain, a knock or some surgeries, when an area is swollen and sore. Used well, it can make the part more comfortable to move gently.

Our physiotherapist advises whether cold suits the injury and the person. We show the caregiver to wrap the pack, never place ice straight on skin, and keep each session short, so the skin stays safe while swelling eases.