The ice pack is a medical device for heat therapy. Find out when this pocket is used, which allows you to apply ice to a part of the body.

An ice pack is a rubber bag that relieves fever, pain, bruises, and headaches, either by cold, most often or by heat, by applying it to the area to to treat. It can be placed on medical prescription but can also be used by individuals.

Composition

The ice pack is a thin rubber or fabric bag, generally round, which has a large opening allowing the introduction of ice cubes or crushed ice, more rarely hot water.

The installation of the ice pack in a hospital environment is an act on medical prescription and the first installation falls under the competence of the nurse; the caregiver participates in the care by monitoring and renewing the system. This device is used to lower fever (hyperthermia), to relieve pain or a hematoma. The use of cold therapy causes vasoconstriction of blood vessels, thus providing anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect.

Ice bladder and fever

One of the indications for an ice pack is hyperthermia. It is the fastest way to cool a person with a fever. It is an alternative to a cool bath (2 ° below the patient’s temperature).

Ice bladder bruising or pain

The ice pack is also used by caregivers to:

• treat hematomas;
• relieve chronic pain of osteoarthritis of the limbs and degenerative rheumatic pathologies (ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis);
• or neurodegenerative pathologies (multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

It can also be used to relieve organ pain (liver, pancreas, stomach) in people with cancer. Finally, the ice pack is also used to relieve acute pain, following a shock, or after surgery.

Public concerned or at risk

The ice pack is used for people who have a temperature or who suffer from acute or chronic pain.

The stages of operation

You should half fill the ice pack with ice water, ice cubes, or hot water, then close the cap, taking care to fold the skirt down. Then, it is advisable to wipe the bladder and to check the good tightness of the stopper by turning the bladder. Finally, the bladder must be applied to the area to be relieved by wrapping the ice pack beforehand to protect the skin. Caregivers can also protect the skin with talcum powder. In the event of hyperthermia, the various areas of application are the inguinal hollow, the jugular, and the skull.

The ice pack should be replaced after 4 hours or even before if it has become ineffective.

When to use it?

The ice pack is used on medical prescription when a person needs cooling (in case of hyperthermia) or when they have chronic or acute pain.

Precautions to take

Before and during

Do not sterilize the ice pack in the microwave and do not use fatty substances or concentrated bleach.

This product should not be exposed to the sun, cold or bad weather.

After

The ice pack should be cleaned after each use. A. Rinse it with warm soapy water between 20 ° and 25 ° C. Allow the product to air dry completely.

You can buy a fabric or latex ice pack with ice cubes to relieve bumps, bruises, strains, tendonitis. It is particularly suitable for athletes.

As it has an analgesic effect, it can also be useful in case of headaches.

An ice pack filled with hot water allows you to relieve muscle pain such as back pain, menstrual pain or muscle contractures.

The ice pack exists in several diameters to adapt to the limb to be treated.

Tips for using an ice pack at home

Fill the ice pack with ice cubes or a cold or hot liquid as indicated.

Expel the air, then put the cap on and check for leaks.

Apply the ice pack to the area to be relieved, wrapping it with a cloth beforehand to avoid burns.