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Before you can prepare to perform at your peak, you have to prepare your body, too. Many professional athletes turn to the game ready ice machine after their workouts. These machines enhance recovery time and help their bodies handle the high stress levels they experience throughout the day.
Cold therapy units work by pumping water into an ice reservoir. The reservoir is linked to a wrap that applies compression, potentially reducing swelling. These units combine the advantages of therapeutic cold with the benefits of focused pressure to reduce pain.
What are Cold Therapy Units?
Cold therapy units use ice or a cold gel pack to deliver therapeutic cold temperatures to an injury site. Many athletes use cold therapy units after their workouts to help reduce inflammation and speed up the healing process.
You shouldn’t leave these units on for more than 10 minutes when applying them. If you experience numbness or tingling sensations, remove the unit immediately and consult your doctor. A good rule of thumb is to take it off if it feels too cold.
Pros of Using Cold Therapy Units
Physiotherapists, physicians, and trainers may recommend a Game Ready ice machine cold therapy unit for various reasons:
Efficiency
Clinical trials have shown that combining cold and compression is more beneficial than ice therapy alone.
Cold therapy reduces swelling and pain by limiting blood flow to the affected area. At the same time, compression further enhances the therapeutic effects of cold by increasing tissue contact with the cold and extending its effect.
It is portable
Ice Packs aren’t always convenient, especially when applied to your shoulder or knee. They also melt quickly, and you can’t control their temperature. Because cold water is pumped through a cold therapy unit, the temperature remains stable during the treatment.
The convenience of home use is further enhanced by the portability of several of these pieces of equipment.
Reduce Reliance on Pain Medication
Reducing pain is one of the benefits of using a cold treatment unit, as this type of device dulls the body’s sensory nerve endings. Your body and brain will stop communicating as quickly, reducing your level of discomfort. Recovering from surgery or an injury may require less medicine if cold treatment is used.
- What to consider before buying a cold therapy unit
- Before purchasing a cold therapy unit, consider the following:
- How often you’ll use it
- What type of injuries or soreness you’re treating
- Storage space
- Your budget.
You’ll also want to make sure that the unit is easy to use and comes with clear instructions. For example, some machines require ice cubes while others work well with water. Most units are self-contained, so they can be stored easily when not in use.
As long as you buy one that suits your needs, there’s no need to worry about shelling out for an expensive model. The best thing to do is find the one that fits your lifestyle and budget best!
Conclusion
Whether for post-workout recovery or to ease pain and inflammation, more athletes are turning to cold therapy. Also known as cryotherapy, this therapy involves exposing the body to extremely cold temperatures for a short period. It might just be time to take your after-exercise pain option to the next level!
