18805 W. Catawba Ave. Suite 101

Cornelius, NC 28031 US

(704) 987-5050

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Cold Therapy

image of an ice pack.

Applying ice after an injury is a common method for reducing pain and swelling. It is especially effective for athletes, who often experience sudden, painful injuries. This type of cold therapy, also known as cryotherapy, is used by chiropractors for the same purposes.

Types of Cold Therapy

Many types of cold therapy are available to reduce pain and swelling after an injury, including the use of:

  • Ice packs
  • Ice massage
  • Slush bucket (half water, half crushed ice)
  • Whirlpool with ice water
  • Cold wet towels

Benefits of Cold Therapy

Cold temperatures cause blood vessels to narrow, which reduces the flow of blood into an area. As a result, cold therapy:

  • Reduces swelling and pain after injury
  • Slows movement of fluid into tissues
  • Reduces the amount of chemicals that cause inflammation in injured tissue
  • Reduces bleeding
  • Slows the movement of pain signals from nerves
  • Decreases muscle spasms by reducing the contraction of muscles

Cold therapy may also keep cells in the injured area from dying due to the lack of oxygen. This is because an injury can reduce blood flow — and oxygen — to the area. However, cold therapy slows the activity of cells, which reduces how much oxygen they need to stay alive.

Tips for Best Cold Therapy

For cold therapy to work, cold packs should be applied as soon as possible. Pain and inflammation are common within 72 hours after an injury.

To avoid frostbite, cold packs should be applied for only 10 minutes at a time, with breaks of at least an hour in between. The ice can be applied several times a day, for three or four days after an injury — or as directed by your chiropractor.

Also, cold packs should never be applied directly to the skin. Instead, a towel should be placed between the skin and cold pack.

Cold therapy may not be appropriate for everyone. Some people respond to cold temperatures by breaking out in hives or developing pain in the joints.

If you have questions about cold therapy or think you might benefit from this type of treatment, please contact our office to schedule an appointment and receive more information.

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Holistic Healing Chiropractic Hours

Monday:

7:30 am-5:00 pm

By Appointment

Tuesday:

7:30 am-5:00 pm

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Wednesday:

7:30 am-5:00 pm

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Reviews By Our Satisfied Patients

  • "Very professional and personal care. Takes the time to explain in detail your condition. Focuses on long term success and behaviour changes rather than short term fixes."
    Noah K
  • "Dr. Gary is absolutely WONDERFUL! My whole experience here has been just perfect. I feel that he truly cares if I get better or not, and I look forward to my appointments. If you're looking for an AMAZING chiropractor, this is the place you want to visit!"
    Suzie B
  • "Dr Gary is the best! He is very knowledgeable and knows what he is doing. I highly recommend anyone to seek him for help."
    Krystal D
  • "Dr. Draper knows the body; not only physically, but mentally as well. He's got machines throughout the office that can help treat both the body and the brain. He cares about each patients' wellbeing, and takes a practical approach to finding the root cause of whatever might be ailing you. Highly recommended!"
    David W
  • "Eileen M recommends Holistic Healing Chiropractic.
    I can not say enough positive things about Dr. Gary, the inviting office atmosphere and friendly staff. Dr. Gary treats everyone with professional care, excellent service and a caring heart."
    Eileen M.
  • "He is the greatest doctor ever had! He goes above and beyond with my whole family, kids and dog. If it weren't for Dr. Gary I would not be able to work or live! We love the office and the staff!"
    Carolyn Oliver
  • "I have two herniated discs in my lower back. Because of my spinal decompression, I am much better and I don't think I will need back surgery."
    Mary W.
  • "I have three bulging disc's in my lower back, one of which is pressing against a nerve. Due to being in so much pain I have put a lot more pressure and such on my right foot as well. Doctors have given me medication that doesn't touch the pain, but Dr. Draper and Dr. Gary as most of his patients lovingly call him will reduce my pain level more than half in one visit. I can't Recommend this place enough."
    April Plexico
  • "Dr. Gary is a very knowledgeable and very caring person. He gives you 100 percent of his attention. So glad that we found him."
    Barbara Rourke Chappell
  • "Dr. Gary Draper and staff are OUTSTANDING!!"
    Erin Murray
  • "Friendly and knowledgeable staff with a welcoming atmosphere. The facilities are beautiful, and the hydrotherapy table is fantastic!"
    Courtney Stahl Stachowski
  • "very personalized, wonderful bedside manor, actually takes time to listen, I left feeling taller and was able to walk without pain."
    Meegan Clemons​
  • "5 stars"
    JR Rivas​
  • "Very caring and get results kind of a doctor. If you are looking for a quality docotr... schedule your appointment today!"
    Celia Ringstad
  • "Dr. Gary Draper is such a great doctor with cutting edge therapies. His knowledge and caring, positive attitude is unmatched! He has helped me with back issues, vertigo, and feet issues. He has helped athletic boys with all kinds of issues! I highly recommend Dr. Gary and Pierce Family Chiropractic for your whole family!"
    Elizabeth Gwyn Jones​

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