COOLING TREATMENT GUIDELINES (SC)
COOLING TREATMENTS
- Cold applications are usually applied after clotting has occurred and so have no effect on haemorrhaging.
- Cold prevents but does not decrease swelling.
- Cold can decrease pain so that active exercise can begin sooner and be more vigorous.
- Compression (external pressure) acts to increase pressure outside of the vasculature. This helps to control edema formation and reduce swelling by promoting reabsorption of this fluid. External pressure is most beneficial once edema begins occurring and is effective as long as edema is present.
- It is recommended that compression is applied within minutes and remains for a minimum of 24 hours.
