7202 Giles Rd, Ste 7

La Vista, NE 68128 USA

402-932-6006

Cold Therapy

image of an ice pack.

Applying ice after an injury is a common method for reducing pain and swelling. It is especially effective for athletes, who often experience sudden, painful injuries. This type of cold therapy, also known as cryotherapy, is used by chiropractors for the same purposes.

Types of Cold Therapy

Many types of cold therapy are available to reduce pain and swelling after an injury, including the use of:

  • Ice packs
  • Ice massage
  • Slush bucket (half water, half crushed ice)
  • Whirlpool with ice water
  • Cold wet towels

Benefits of Cold Therapy

Cold temperatures cause blood vessels to narrow, which reduces the flow of blood into an area. As a result, cold therapy:

  • Reduces swelling and pain after injury
  • Slows movement of fluid into tissues
  • Reduces the amount of chemicals that cause inflammation in injured tissue
  • Reduces bleeding
  • Slows the movement of pain signals from nerves
  • Decreases muscle spasms by reducing the contraction of muscles

Cold therapy may also keep cells in the injured area from dying due to the lack of oxygen. This is because an injury can reduce blood flow — and oxygen — to the area. However, cold therapy slows the activity of cells, which reduces how much oxygen they need to stay alive.

Tips for Best Cold Therapy

For cold therapy to work, cold packs should be applied as soon as possible. Pain and inflammation are common within 72 hours after an injury.

To avoid frostbite, cold packs should be applied for only 10 minutes at a time, with breaks of at least an hour in between. The ice can be applied several times a day, for three or four days after an injury — or as directed by your chiropractor.

Also, cold packs should never be applied directly to the skin. Instead, a towel should be placed between the skin and cold pack.

Cold therapy may not be appropriate for everyone. Some people respond to cold temperatures by breaking out in hives or developing pain in the joints.

If you have questions about cold therapy or think you might benefit from this type of treatment, please contact our office to schedule an appointment and receive more information.

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

9:00 am-12:00 pm

2:00 pm-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-11:00 am

1:00 pm-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-12:00 pm

2:00 pm-6:00 pm

Thursday:

By Appointment

Closed

Friday:

8:00 am-11:00 am

1:00 pm-5:00 pm

Saturday:

by appointment

Closed

Sunday:

By Appointment

Closed

Location

Find us on the map

Testimonials

Reviews By Our Satisfied Patients

  • "I was very impressed with Dr. Nick's knowledge of how the central nervous system works and how clearly he explained the entire process with me. It just really makes sense that my spine has to be aligned for all of my body's functions to work properly."
    Tara B.
  • "I appreciate the time Dr. Nick takes to thoroughly examine me and explain my treatment and condition to me in detail. The staff is very friendly and down to earth. It has definitely helped my symptoms so that keeps me coming back."
    Michelle A.
  • "When I first came to the office everyone was very welcoming. Dr. Nick was very passionate about what he does and very willing to do whatever it is to help his patients maintain their care."
    Deanna B.
  • "The knowledge and information I received here led me to make proper changes in order to prevent long term damage/pain."
    Tyrel
  • "I really liked the fact that Dr. Nick didn't just adjust me and then send me on my way. Everyone in the office works to help correct my health problems and not just help it for the time being."
    Sam D.
  • "Dr. Nick and staff are always so sincere and personable. Their dedication and caring goes well beyond the skeletal correction performed on a regular basis. They care about your total health and well being which plays a huge role in your immediate recovery."
    Kathy E.
  • "I love Dr. Lindsay! She has helped my back and sciatic nerve pain so much. I highly recommend them to anyone who has any issues!"
    Meghan Elizabeth S.

Featured Articles

Read about interesting topics

NEWSLETTER SIGNUP

Sign up for more articles