Health Tips

Once a month, Dr. Bronson will post a new health tip.
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Icing Instructions

Last month, we discussed the issue of cold vs. heat when treating musculoskeletal conditions. Now I will provide exact instructions on how to properly apply ice to the neck, back, or an injured extremity. It is best to use a flexible, reusable ice pack in order to achieve an effective cold temperature and to conform to the curves of the body part.

Wrap the ice pack with a paper towel, not a bath towel. The paper towel gives just the right amount of insulation against your skin to avoid freezer burn. Put the wrapped ice pack directly against your skin, not over clothing. Keep the ice pack on for 20 minutes, then off for one hour. Repeat as directed. When icing, expect to experience 3 stages: 1) the area will feel very cold for a couple of minutes, 2) the area will start to “burn” for about a minute, then 3) the area will become numb. When the area is numb, you cannot feel a gentle scratch with your fingernail. This is the stage where swelling and pain will decrease. Remember, “Ice is Nice!”

Health Tips Archive

Archives for 2008 - 2009

January 2010