Applying cold to an injury. Anyone know ideal temperature?

[PapaFrita]

Basically how cold/cool should water or a gel pack to be effective and how cold is too cold? (I'm aware freezing is too cold!

)
Thanks

 

[Slinkyunicorn]

Is it for you or for a horse?

Either way you should aim for at least a couple of degrees colder then the 'norm' as that will feel cold to the tissues and should help.

 

[PapaFrita]

Oh, actually I was asking for a horse, but could easily apply to me and my dodgy knee and collarbone as well

By a couple of degrees colder than the norm, do you mean cooler than body temperature? Or colder than it comes out of the tap (the water, obv

)

 

[magic14339]

any reduction in temperature is good for the injury even if it is only on degree but the most effective temp has been found to be between 2-4 degrees centigrade. I have worked with hydrotherapy and game ready equine therapy for a while now so if you have any further questions feel free to PM me. Definately gotta apply cold for a while to be effective thoug 20 mins really.

 

[Slinkyunicorn]

Sorry I meant colder then body temperature!

 

[Toby_Zaphod]

I can't give actual temperatures however if you use an ice pack, frozen peas, or a frozen gel pack you should really have a thin towel or cloth between the ice pack & the skin otherwise you can cause damage to the skin. So wrap an ice pack in a tea towel before applying it & it will be ok.

Furthermore don't apply an ice pack for any longer than about 20-25 minutes as it ceases to have any further effect after that period of time. You should then remove it & if needed re-apply later.

 

[PapaFrita]

Thank you. I knew the first bit but the second bit (about the time) is very helpful