Game Ready Blog

All over the world, athletes test the limits of their bodies through all kinds of strenuous activities, such as workouts, marathons, and sports. These activities leave them open to the risk of injury, strains, and sprains. 

Over the years, numerous methods have been used to help treat these injuries and get back to the game.  One of the most common is to take medication designed to reduce pain. Although this can provide some relief, often the pain medication does not specifically target the injured or sprained area, instead providing general pain coverage. 

To pinpoint problem areas specifically, athletes may utilize cold compression therapy. By using cold compression machines and wraps, they can target specific injured or stressed areas directly, speeding up the time it takes to recover and get back to the game. In addition, portable systems can be more efficient than having to sit in an ice bath or use ice packs and frozen vegetables that won’t last long at room temperature. Let’s learn more about how cold compression therapy can help athletes find relief from pain.

Athletes continually participate in a variety of physical activities during training and practices. And, of course, with physical activity comes the possibility of injuries, ranging from mild to severe. According to a National Health Statistics Report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, an estimated 8.6 million sports injuries occur each year.¹ Every day you get on the field to practice or perform, the risk of injury is present. The good news is that cryotherapy—the use of cold to treat injuries—can offer relief and recovery for athletes looking to heal from injuries and sprains.

Cold therapy is a time-tested method for obtaining relief from pain, especially when you are injured, strain a muscle, or are recovering from surgery. This technique is part of the RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) method for healing and is widely used across the world. One of the common ways to utilize cold therapy is with an ice pack held in place with an elastic bandage. 

Advances in technology have made it easier to apply cold therapy when you need it. Cold therapy machines work by circulating water through an ice reservoir. The reservoir connects to a wrap that provides the element of compression, which may help reduce swelling. With a cold therapy unit, you get the combined benefits of therapeutic cold and targeted pressure to aid in your healing.

A broken bone can be painful, and one of the factors that contributes to this discomfort is excessive swelling. When tissues swell, they limit range of motion and increase nerve pressure, which may lead to additional pain.¹

Injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are the most common type of ligament injury, affecting 100,000-200,000 people annually. This type of injury commonly afflicts athletes who participate in activities that require pivoting, lateral movement, or contact with other players. When the bones in the knee joint twist in opposite directions while there is weight on the leg, the ACL can become overstretched or torn.¹ A doctor may recommend surgery in the case of a partial or full tear, especially for individuals who wish to continue participating in athletics.²

Wrist fractures and other types of injuries sometimes necessitate surgery. Because upper extremities are such a crucial part of many daily activities, proper recovery is important for getting back to normal life. Knowing what to expect during the recovery process may help you plan for the weeks and months to come.

Your shoulder is a complicated joint that can move in multiple directions. Because of this, it performs in almost all of your typical daily activities, including reaching for food on shelves, brushing your teeth, and getting dressed.

Whether you need ACL surgery as the result of a sports injury or because of another type of accident, the recovery timeline is similar for most people. A full recovery, including the return to your pre-injury condition, with full range of motion and stability in the knee joint, usually takes six months.¹ However, it’s important to understand that recovery timelines may vary.

A muscle strain is when muscles or tendons tear or stretch. Many injuries—falls, sudden blows, overuse, and more—may strain muscles.¹ No matter what causes a strain, it’s painful and inconvenient. Whether you strained your neck while parallel parking or pulled a groin muscle playing hockey, knowing how to treat the pain and swelling may help you recover more quickly and make you more comfortable.