7 best physical therapy ice packs
Physical therapy ice packs are commonly used in hot-cold therapies to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. Here's a breakdown of key points related to these ice packs:
Cold Packs for Pain Relief:
- Ice packs are often used as cold therapy to relieve pain, especially in the treatment of injuries like sprains, strains, and swelling. They help constrict blood vessels and reduce inflammation.
Hot-Cold Therapies:
- Some physical therapy ice packs are designed to offer both cold and heat therapy. Heat therapy can be beneficial for soothing muscle stiffness and promoting blood flow.
Types of Ice Packs:
- Ice packs come in various forms, including gel-filled packs, instant cold packs, and reusable packs that can be frozen. Gel-filled packs are often flexible and conform to the shape of the body.
Instant Cold Packs:
- These packs are activated by squeezing or shaking, causing a chemical reaction that quickly lowers the temperature. They are convenient for immediate use in emergency situations.
Reusable Ice Packs:
- These are packs that can be frozen and reused multiple times. They are typically kept in the freezer and can be applied as needed. Reusable packs are often encased in a fabric cover for comfort.
Usage in Physical Therapy:
- Physical therapists often recommend the use of ice packs as part of the R.I.C.E.(Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) protocol for certain injuries. The cold helps control pain and reduce swelling.
Pain Relievers and OTC Medications:
- Ice packs are commonly used in conjunction with over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers to manage pain more effectively. The combination of cold therapy and medication can enhance the overall treatment.
Health Care at Home:
- Ice packs are a convenient and accessible health care tool for home use. They provide individuals with a means to manage pain and discomfort without the need for frequent medical visits.
Safety Precautions:
- While ice packs are generally safe, it's important to use them with caution. Always wrap the ice pack in a thin cloth or towel before applying it to the skin to prevent frostbite or ice burns.
Alternative Therapies:
- In addition to ice packs, other cold therapy options include ice baths, cold compresses, and cryotherapy devices. Each has its own application and benefits for pain relief.
Understanding how to properly use physical therapy ice packs, in combination with other pain management strategies, can contribute to effective and targeted relief for various injuries and conditions.
Below you can find our editor's choice of the best physical therapy ice packs on the market
Chattanooga ColPac - Reusable Gel Ice Pack - Black Polyurethane - Oversize - 12.5 in x 18.5 in - Cold Therapy - Knee, Arm, Elbow, Shoulder, Back - Aches, Swelling, Bruises, Sprains, Inflammation
Chattanooga
Product description
Designed especially for heavy clinic use in cold therapy, choose from seven blue vinyl sizes and four black polyurethane sizes, to ensure effective cold therapy for any body area or shape. ColPac provides effective relief of pain from cold therapy. ColPacs filled with non-toxic silica gel that will remain pliable throughout treatment. Delivers up to 30 minutes of cold therapy soothing relief from acute pain, swelling and fever. All ColPaCs latex Free. One year warranty. ColPaC black polyurethane oversize measures 18-1/2" length by 12-1/2" width.
- Designed especially for heavy clinic use in cold therapy, choose from seven blue vinyl sizes and four black polyurethane sizes, to ensure effective cold therapy for any body area or shape
- ColPac provides effective relief of pain from cold therapy
- ColPacs filled with non-toxic silica gel that will remain pliable throughout treatment
- Delivers up to 30 minutes of cold therapy soothing relief from acute pain, swelling and fever
- One year warranty
User questions & answers
| Question: | Is the 6.5x11 busy or flat? Looking for one to lay on for back pain |
| Answer: | They're all flat and most people can lay on them just fine - if too cold, just take a hand towel, run it in hot water, and then put it over the pack before laying on it - allows you to "ease" into the cold. Also, try strengthening your multifidus muscles for your back pain - see Jim Johnson's stenosis book. |
| Question: | Directions say don't lay on it, but I'm uncomfortable lying on my stomach (lower back issues). Has anyone had problems lying on it on a bed |
| Answer: | I have used these for years The reason they say don’t lay on it is more than likely the fact that the pressure forces more cold to the skin. I usually put mine in a pillowcase and wrap the e tea length of the pillowcase around the cold pack or place it inside a folded towel. I have never had problems. This is the way they used them for me in PT. |
| Question: | Can this be microwaved and also used for heat pain relief |
| Answer: | No, it is used as a cold pack (filled with jell) only. |
| Question: | What is the shelf life of an ice packs packs used by/in physical therapy |
| Answer: | I've had these large, medium & cervical cold packs since 2013. Kept in the freezer & use frequently for multiple shoulder, lumbar & neck pain & subsequent surgeries. They are all currently like new 6/19. They have kept me out of the ER for break through pain issues many times. My PTs all endorse & recommend these. Obviously, I do too! |
Product features
Instructions / Precautions
Application:
* For initial chilling of the ColPac, place flat in chilling unit freezer for two hours. Do not chill below zero degrees Fahrenheit.
* Remove ColPac from freezer and place a hand towel between the skin and the ColPac. Apply to area being treated.
* Treatment time should not exceed 30 minutes.
Precautions:
* Do not sit, lie or sleep on the ColPac.
* Do not attempt to use the ColPac as a hot pack. No hot water. No microwave. Use only as a cold therapy.
Care of Your ColPac:
* Wipe all moisture from the ColPac before returning to the freezer.
* Store in freezer when not in use.
Chattanooga ColPac - Reusable Gel Ice Pack - Blue Vinyl - Standard - 11 in x 14 in (28 cm x 36 cm) - Cold Therapy for Knee, Arm, Elbow, Shoulder, Back for Aches, Swelling, Bruises, Sprains, Inflammation
Chattanooga
Product description
Chattanooga ColPac - Reusable Gel Ice Pack - Blue Vinyl - Standard - 11 in x 14 in (28 cm x 36 cm) - Cold Therapy for Knee, Arm, Elbow, Shoulder, Back for Aches, Swelling, Bruises, Sprains, Inflammation. Do not heat for hot therapy.
- Patented design of the Chattanooga ColPac gently delivers soothing cold therapy and stays pliable during treatment
- Provides instant pain relief to treat fever, bruises, sprains, strains, and helps to manage swelling
- Each cold therapy pack is latex-free and is filled with non-toxic silica gel, so it's safe for all ages to use
- Simply apply immediately after an injury to control the inflammation of soft tissue; Delivers up to 30 minutes of soothing relief
- ColPaC is most serviceable when kept in a freezer set at 12° F (-11°C)
User questions & answers
| Question: | How long to re freeze after use |
| Answer: | I put mine back in the freezer until I need to use it again. |
| Question: | How do I access the warranty? I have had mine for 4 months and use it maybe once a week and it has began to leak its gel/fluid. Please replace |
| Answer: | I PUT HEAVY DUCT TAPE, 2" FOLDED IN HALF OVER ALL THE SEAMS, HAVE HAD IT FOR 4 YEARS, USE IT ALL THE TIME AND IT DOES NOT LEAK! BUT, YOU HAVE TO PUT THE TAPE ON WHEN YOU FIRST GET IT!! |
| Question: | whats the difference between Black or blue |
| Answer: | The black are much more durable. The blue leaked almost a month after I received it. It spewed clay like gel all over. |
| Question: | how do you hold it on your back |
| Answer: | Use an ace bandage to hold an ice pack anywhere on your body. Learned this in PT. |
Product features
Instructions / Precautions
Application:
* For initial chilling of the ColPac, place flat in chilling unit freezer for two hours. Do not chill below zero degrees Fahrenheit.
* Remove ColPac from freezer and place a hand towel between the skin and the ColPac. Apply to area being treated.
* Treatment time should not exceed 30 minutes.
Precautions:
* Do not sit, lie or sleep on the ColPac.
* Do not attempt to use the ColPac as a hot pack. No hot water. No microwave. Use only as a cold therapy.
Care of Your ColPac:
* Wipe all moisture from the ColPac before returning to the freezer.
* Store in freezer when not in use.
Chattanooga ColPac Clinical Grade Black Urethane Ice Pack (2 Pack) - Standard, 10x13.5 Inch
Chattanooga
Product description
FINALLY - A ColPac set designed to provide you one for the Freezer (chilling) and one for use. Physical Therapists and Professional Athletic Trainers know it makes sense to always have a two ColPac's available, one for use, and the other in the freezer (chilling) and ready for use! That's why we've put together this special set, so you have what you need, at an economical price. ColPac Black Cold Therapy Packs, by Chattanooga, are designed to provide soothing cold therapy to any part of the body and come in a variety of sizes, designed to accommodate just about any need. Cold therapy provides pain relief and helps treat swelling associated with injury due to sprains, strains, muscle soreness, and to help reduce bruising and swelling. The Black Polyurethane ColPac is designed for home and heavy clinical use. ColPac by Chattanooga is the #1 selling cold therapy pack used by Physical Therapists and Sports Trainers. Each pack is filled with a non-toxic silica gel that remains pliable throughout treatment and delivers up to 30 minutes of soothing relief. Coaches and professional trainers love that they can use them to keep drinks cool, yet have them available should an injury occur. They are latex free and come with a one year manufacturer warranty. The available pack sizes include: Standard Size - 10"x13.5" - Ideal for upper legs, lower back Half Size - 6.5"x11" - For calves, feet, arms Neck Contour - 21" long - Designed for the neck and shoulders Oversize - 12.5"x18.5" - For the back, or where extra coverage (overlap) is desired
User questions & answers
| Question: | Do you get 2 ice packs or |
| Answer: | When I purchased this in December 2012, it only came with one click stick of Carmex. |
| Question: | Why did I only get one ice pack when the title and picture show two |
| Answer: | It’s moisturizing. The medicated is discontinued. |
Performa - 54167 Cold Pacs, Professional, Medical Grade, Reusable, and Flexible Ice Packs in Assorted Sizes, Soft, Pliable, and Refreezable Coldpacs for Cryotherapy After Surgery or Injury, Non Latex
Performa
Product description
The Performa brand products have been serving the physical therapy community for over 15 years. The Performa brand represents high quality products for physical therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic, and spa. Performa brand treatment furniture includes work tables, patient treatment tables, parallel bars for ambulation training, and therapy stools. The Performa brand represents many treatment modalities including TENS electrodes, Iontophoresis products, moist heat packs and heating units, ice packs and wraps, paraffin, and paraffin baths for arthritis and hand therapy. The Performa cold packs provide a heavy duty, long lasting method of applying cold to aching or sore muscles. They can be put in a freezer and will remain cold up to 30 minutes when taken out. Performa hot & cold gel packs are a durable, long lasting solution for hot or cold therapy. They can be microwaved or frozen as needed. Whether treating a patient in the clinic or the home, Performa products will help you provide therapeutic relief and support.
- High quality 11" x 14" coldpac is durable and reusable, can be refrozen frequently for pain relief
- Effective cold compression pack to alleviate pain in large areas like the lower back, knee, leg, thigh, or shoulder
- Malleable and flexible design conforms to the body to provide cryotherapy pain relief after surgeries or injuries
- Cold therapy is long lasting and provides 30 minutes of cold therapy to assist with rehabilitation and muscle recovery
- Non-latex, flexible, and leak-proof design makes cryotherapy easier than using ice bags or other messy cold packs
User questions & answers
| Question: | How long does it take to freeze |
| Answer: | This lid is exactly 12" at the base part that would rest on your cake stand. If your stand is 12 inches or wider, then this will rest on top of it. The inside diameter is 11-3/8", so if your stand is smaller than that, then you can put the lid on the counter around the stand instead of resting on top of it, as long as your cake plus stand is not taller than 5-1/4", which is the inside height of this lid. Hope this helped! |
| Question: | can you use it in a bath to keep water cold during ice baths |
| Answer: | 30 cm equals 11.81 inches, not sure if that would fit. I measured my cake cover and from outside edge to outside edge it is exactly 12 inches. Hope this helps |
| Question: | Are you able to purchase the covers |
| Answer: | No |
| Question: | The cold pack has developed a strange freezer smell. Any ideas how to deodorize? Washing in soapy water or dilute bleach as not helped |
| Answer: | Made of aluminum alloy with a smooth ball bearing mechanism. Cast iron base with silicone bottom. Never seen a compliant. |
Product features
The Performa Cold Pac
Performa Cold Pacs are a refreezable, reusable cold pack designed to provide pain relief. Made with non-latex materials and filled with gel, it is flexible and can be used for various areas of the body. Each pack stays cold for up to 30 minutes after freezing, making it perfect for injury or surgery recovery.
The Benefits of Cold Therapy
Cold therapy (or cryotherapy) is a very common treatment that aids in injury prevention and injury/surgery recovery. By using cold therapy within the first 24 hours following an injury or surgery, you can prevent further swelling or bleeding in an area. Cold therapy constricts the blood vessels, which reduces circulation to the applied area. This, in turn, slows down the swelling/bruising process and allows for a quicker recovery. This method also provides numbing pain relief to help dull persistent pains from the afflicted area.
Cold Packs Designed for You
Performa Cold Pacs are available in four different sizes, which is for safer use. Each size allows you to better fit the needs of your body, all while providing the relief you need for your injury or surgery.
Performa Neck Contour Cold Pac
The 23” neck cold pack is great to use for headaches and migraines or pain/swelling in the neck, shoulder, and throat. It can even be used on your knees or elbows. Due to the length, the pack can be wrapped around the affected area to provide cooling relief for acute pain or soreness you may have.
Performa Throat Size Cold Pac 3” x 11”
The Performa Throat Size Cold Pac is perfect for wrapping around the neck and various other body parts. Small and long, this cold pack provides moldable coverage to smaller areas.
Performa Cold Pac, Oversize 11” x 21”
The largest of the Performa Cold Pacs, the oversize cold pack is perfect for large area swelling and torso injuries/surgeries. This cold pack is large enough to lay across your stomach or back and will provide the relief that Performa does so well.
Performa Cold Pac, Standard Size 11” x 14”
The Standard Size Performa Cold Pac is versatile enough for any of your cold therapy needs. It is big enough to cover any injured area, flexible enough to wrap around a body part, and durable enough for frequent reuse.
Performa Cold Pac, Half Size 7.5” x 11”
A smaller version of the Performa Cold Pac Standard Size, the Half Size gives users a cold pack that can be more focused to a specific area of the body. This allows a more targeted treatment of your injured area while still allowing you to wrap the pack around your body.
Performa Cold Pac, Quarter Size 5.5” x 6.5”
The Quarter Size Performa Cold Pac is perfect for providing targeted relief and small enough to store in limited freezer space. This size is great for placing on an injury without needing to wrap it or fold it over.
Thera-Med Universal Pad, Cold Pack, Ice Pack for Ankles, Wrists, Elbows & Knees, Dual-Sided for Multi-Temperature Therapy
Theramed
Product description
Click ADD TO CART now for a hyper targeted therapeutic relief today.
TARGETED THERAPEUTIC PAIN RELIEF
Regular Thera-Med gel ice pack users mold & strap in these places for long lasting back pain relief and general pain relief.
- Dual Temp - Max cold 1 side, cold compress the other
- Sore Neck
- Knee Ice Pack Wrap
- Elbow Ice Wrap
- Shoulder Pain
- Ankle Ice Pack Wrap
- Reduce Swelling
- Lower Back Pain
- Rotator Cuff Injury
- Foot Ice Pack Wrap
20 YEARS OF MEDICAL INNOVATION
Compass health brands has been producing products that enable healthier, independent lives for more than 20 years. Our Thera-Med Ice Packs for Injuries have been available for over a decade & many customers end up purchasing another for their spouse years later.
USE INSTRUCTIONS
Place the Thera-Med ice pack for knee in the freezer for at least 1 Hour. Place the gel pack on the skin(white side very cold, blue side is less cold), then adjust the strap comfortably around the area you want therapy, molding the gel cold pack to a comfortable position.
Expect up to 1 hour of evenly distributed, therapeutic pain relief.
Take a deep breath, you're covered by our 100% Money Back No-Leak Guarantee, no questions asked. Click Add to Cart now for a hyper targeted therapeutic relief today.
- REUSABLE ICE PACKS FOR INJURIES. Contains Thera-Med reusable ice pack. Thera-med is a leading provider of ice packs for injuries and ice bags for injuries. Thera-Med cold packs for injuries gives doctor recommended cold therapy & conforms closely to the body for targeted relief from ankle, wrist, elbow & knee pain. The reusable pad is easy & safe to use.
- DUAL SIDED ICE PACK. The Thera-Med Gel Ice Pack is dual-sided to provide two levels of relief: cool therapy and icy cold therapy. The reusable pack is easily portable and is a perfect shoulder ice pack or knee ice pack because it is reusable and is a large ice pack.
- FLEXIBLE ICE PACK. The cold pack stays flexible even when frozen so it can conform to your body exactly as you need it, alleviating joint pain right where you feel it most. The adjustable strap locks the pad into place so you don't sacrifice your mobility for pain relief.
- ICE GEL PACK, EASY TO USE. The Thera-Med Universal Pad is easy to use. Just chill it in the freezer and then apply to reduce swelling and pain as needed. The reusable cold pack provides targeted relief for pains, strains, and sprains in ankles, wrists, elbows, knees, and more and is a leader in reusable ice packs for injuries.
- ICE PACK FOR KNEE, SHOULDER, ANKLE. Many athletes and those into weekend sports rely on Thera-Med to help them through injuries, especially those who need a knee ice wrap, shoulder ice pack, or even a rotator cuff ice bag.
User questions & answers
| Question: | Could this wrap work to hold a castor oil pack around your stomach |
| Answer: | This cover should be good for storage. I know my movers told me that these covers were the best they had seen. If I was going to store a mattress I would be comfortable using these covers. I would make sure that whatever size your futon is that the cover you buy will fit it. FYI... The King size does not completely cover a Cal-King mattress. I would have to buy 2 covers to cover the mattress. |
| Question: | How long should one freeze to be effective |
| Answer: | The measurements are posted in the description...I would just measure ur mattress and keep in mind you'll probably want a little overlap when taping it closed. |
| Question: | Does this freeze hard or is it very flexible when frozen |
| Answer: | There is only one mattress bag per package. I bought two, one for the box spring and one for the mattress. I also wanted to make sure that my mattress and box spring would be completely enclosed so I bought my bags one size larger so I wouldn't run into any suprises with the fit when I moved. (Bought king/queen size for my full size bed & box spring) |
| Question: | what is the size in inches |
| Answer: | This Duvet Cover is super soft and breathable https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GBMBSF4?ref=myi_title_dp |
Product features
Enjoy the Benefits of Dual-Temp Gel Therapy with Thera-Med Icy Cold Pain Relief!
Dual-Temp Technology offers a soft, blue side for gentle cooling and a smooth, white side for maximum strength cold therapy. Thera-Med Icy Cold Pain Relief Products remain flexible even when frozen and can go straight from the freezer to your body without the need for additional sleeves or towels. Innovative Design helps to keep the gel evenly dispersed throughout the wrap for the most effective cold therapy, while its shape aids in the placement and coverage of larger treatment areas.
Chattanooga ColPac - Black Polyurethane - Standard (10"x13.5") & Neck (21") Bundle - Reusable Gel Ice Pack Cold Therapy for Aches, Swelling, Bruises, Sprains, Inflammation - (2 Pack Bundle)
DJO Global
- Recommended the most by physical therapists and sports trainers, every Chattanooga colpac is backed by a one-year warranty
- Designed especially for heavy clinic use in cold therapy, choose from seven blue vinyl sizes and four black polyurethane sizes, to ensure effective cold therapy for any body area or shape
- Patented design of the Chattanooga colpac gently delivers soothing cold therapy and stays pliable during treatment
- Provides instant pain relief to treat fever, bruises, sprains, strains, and helps to manage swelling
- ColPacs filled with non-toxic silica gel that will remain pliable throughout treatment
- Simply apply immediately after an injury to control the inflammation of soft tissue; delivers up to 30 minutes of soothing relief
Chattanooga ColPac Reusable Gel Ice Pack - Standard (11"x14") & Neck (23") Bundle - Cold Therapy for Aches, Swelling, Bruises, Sprains, Inflammation - Blue (2 Pack Bundle)
DJO Global
- Patented design of the Chattanooga ColPac gently delivers soothing cold therapy and stays pliable during treatment
- Provides instant pain relief to treat fever, bruises, sprains, strains, and helps to manage swelling
- Each cold therapy pack is latex-free and is filled with non-toxic silica gel, so it's safe for all ages to use
- Simply apply immediately after an injury to control the inflammation of soft tissue; Delivers up to 30 minutes of soothing relief
- ColPaC is most serviceable when kept in a freezer set at 12° F (-11°C)
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