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Using ice after an injury can help in a few ways. It can lessen swelling, inflammation, and pain. Doing an ice massage to your injured area is an easy thing to do at home. You will need some small paper or styrofoam cups, water, and a freezer. ‚
General
An ice massage is most helpful in the first 2 days of the injury. It can also be done after exercising. It is normal to have different feelings during the ice massage. These include cold, burning, aching, and numbness. ‚
- Fill a few small paper or styrofoam cups close to the top with water.
- Put them in the freezer for a few hours until they are fully solid.
- Remove a frozen cup from the freezer. Tear the paper or foam from the top part of the cup until some of the ice is showing.
- Move the ice over the injured place. Move the ice in circles or back and forth. Do this for 5 to 10 minutes at a time. Do not keep the ice in one place. You must keep it moving over the injured area. Do not use the ice massage for longer than 10 minutes at a time. This could cause frostbite and injure your skin.
- Repeat this 3 to 5 times per day. Leave at least an hour in between icing sessions.
- It is best to raise the injured part above the level of your heart during the ice massage.
It is normal for your skin to be pink or red after an ice massage. If you get any redness that does not go away or blistering, stop using the ice. ‚
Helpful tips
- Have a towel under the area you are icing to avoid a mess from the melting ice.
- Paper or styrofoam cups work the best. Plastic cups can have rough edges which may cut the skin.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚