Authors' recommendations: Cold compression therapy involves the combination of cold and compression, and is designed to simultaneously provide the pain management benefits of cooling and the reduction in edema that is provided by compression. Cold compression therapy relies on cooling devices that are categorized as passive or active: Passive cold therapy devices operate by gravity or a hand pump without the use of a battery or electricity. Generally, they consist of a cuff or wrap and a cooler. Ice water is placed in the reservoir or cooler. The cooler is then placed above the affected body area or joint and uses gravity to fill the cuff and compress the joint. If a hand pump is used, the device may be placed closer to or level with the joint or area being treated. Active cold therapy devices use pneumatic or mechanical pumps that may be operated by battery or electricity. The intended function of a pump is to provide cyclical compression and cooling or heating to the affected area. The devices generally consist of two basic parts: a wrap or wrap system and a control unit or pump, which is filled with ice and/or water. The control unit or pump circulates the cooled or heated water through the wrap system to the affected area. The devices may also contain a cooler or refrigeration component.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2012

URL for published report: The report may be purchased from:http://www.hayesinc.com/hayes/crd/?crd=13044

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: United States

Organisation Name: HAYES, Inc.

Contact Address: 157 S. Broad Street, Suite 200, Lansdale, PA 19446, USA. Tel: 215 855 0615; Fax: 215 855 5218

Contact Name: saleinfo@hayesinc.com

Contact Email: saleinfo@hayesinc.com

Copyright: 2012 Winifred S. Hayes, Inc