Many doctors recommend cold therapy because it is instrumental in recovery after surgery, injury or strenuous activity. By slowing blood flow to a specific area, cold therapy helps to reduce pain, inflammation and swelling. Cold therapy has also been shown through clinical studies to help reduce the requirement and use of narcotics because of its ability to help manage pain and discomfort. ^1,4

Why do I need cold therapy after surgery or injury?

After an injury or surgery, your body initiates a biological response to try and remove or heal damaged cells. This response is called inflammation, which is a defense mechanism in the body. Pain and swelling are the uncomfortable symptoms of inflammation, but the good news is that they show that the body is trying to heal itself. Although inflammation is a good indicator of the start of the healing process, it can persist longer than needed and consequently cause more harm than benefit. ^1,2,3

That’s where cold therapy comes into play. Applying ice, cold gel packs, a motorized cold therapy system or a motorized cold and compression system can help reduce inflammation, pain, stiffness and swelling and help you recover more quickly. These cold therapy systems have also been shown to reduce the need for narcotic pain medications that can be addictive. This is an important benefit in the midst of the rising opioid crisis in the United States. ^4,5,7,8