Dry cold
The value of dry cold following an acute injury is well known to everybody. The use of cold water, ice or ice packs gives good results in the acute phase. Dry cold plays a role in reducing swelling. Inflammations are slowed down and the vital tissue function can be saved. Cold therapy decreases the sensitivity and pain reduction, due to the caused vasoconstriction. More benefits of dry cold are:
- Decreased pain and muscle spasms
- Decreased swelling
- Decreased tissue damage by initiating a state of "hypernation" allowing the body to heal
- Dry application prevents cracked heels, scratches and dermathological issues
Recovery post surgery
The use of wet ice and ice slushes should be avoided when given a recent incision into joints, for example after arthroscopic surgery. Besides that in a healing wound with swelling it's not recommended to use cold water. Dry cold and compression products have a role in reducing post-operative pain and swelling that's recogniszed after arthroscopy and the and the rehabilitation of equine athletes. The resolution of symptoms, particularly periarticular swelling, has been accelerated compared to simple bandaging.
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