What Athletes Should Know about Cold Compression Therapy

The power is in the combination.

What athletes should know about cold compression Therapy

Today, athletes suffering from injuries can recover much more efficiently, and with far less suffering due to the range of sports recovery techniques available to them. For example, we’ve previously discussed the many benefits of red light therapy when it comes to injury recovery (and beyond!).

Now, we think it’s time to shed some light on another highly effective treatment ideal for both acute and chronic conditions: cold compression therapy. This can be thought of as similar to the traditional R.I.C.E protocol - but more advanced with its refined combination of both techniques.

But what makes cold compression therapy so beneficial and effective for injured athletes of all ages, shapes and sizes? Let’s get into it.

The combination of very cold temperatures and compression (either static or dynamic) plays a role in reducing pain and swelling/inflammation when dealing with all kinds of muscle, tendon and ligament injuries.

This is because the cold temperatures work to narrow the blood vessels, thus restricting the flow of blood to the injured site, while the compression brings down swelling by directing any built-up fluids away from the area. It also helps to trigger the movement of nutrient- and oxygen-rich blood to the damaged tissues, preventing secondary injuries, all while promoting the removal of cellular and tissue waste via lymphatic drainage.

Together, the application of both cold and compression simultaneously is able to successfully reduce both pain and swelling following injury, while also supporting a quicker body recovery process.

Which Cold Compression Therapy Unit is Right For Me?

There are several types of cold compression therapy units available to athletes today that use either static or dynamic compression.

Static compression is typically applied to the injured area via wearable wraps or braces, ideal for administering a limited gradual level of pressure. They are offered at a lower price point, and are not considered to be as effective in the long-term as higher-caliber systems that utilize dynamic compression.

Dynamic compression systems provide a greater control over the level of pressure administered, thus cooling and compressing injured areas more effectively compared to static systems. These systems are commonly used by professional sports trainers, rehab specialists, physical therapists and even emergency room staff due to its high level of efficiency and success with healing.

One advanced cold compression therapy system used by both professional and non-professional athletes today is Game Changers Sports Recovery’s Game Ready Therapy Machine. Offering some of the best physical therapy in Las Vegas, this unit uses both compression and cold therapy to bring down swelling and inflammation while increasing blood circulation to the affected area in which it is applied - and it perfect for at-home use.

Take advantage of cold compression therapy the next time you’re injured

The wisest of athletes are using cold compression therapy as both an immediate and ongoing method of treatment for their injuries. Will you be going beyond the standard R.I.C.E protocol, and trying this more advanced and effective form of sports rehabiliation?

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