Benefits of Cryotherapy and Compression for Surgery According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) more than 50 million people undergo inpatient surgery each year. While surgery is typically performed with the intention of fixing a problem, it also creates a whole new injury – a wound which then stimulates inflammation, which is a major source of post-surgical pain. Some inflammation is good – it is the body’s response to physical trauma and can even stimulate the immune system to prevent infection. But following surgery, you don’t want this reaction to last too long because it prolongs the pain which then in turn prolongs your return to movement, which speeds healing. In addition, the swelling that normally accompanies inflammation can impede recovery and cause serious discomfort.
Cold and Pressure for Post-Op Pain Relief RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) is a widely accepted and recommended method of reducing pain and swelling, however compliance can be problematic. Bags of ice melt, requiring replacement, and they’re also awkward and difficult to keep on some body parts, such as the shoulder. In order to produce the compression needed to stimulate tissue regeneration and encourage lymph resorption, you then have to position yourself in a way that keeps the bag of ice tightly against the inflamed area. The entire operation is challenging enough when you have full control of all your muscles, but post-surgery many people give up earlier than recommended due to the inconvenience. EasyCryo provides all of the benefits of RICE without the hassle, and without having to travel to a physical therapy appointment in order to administer advanced therapy to your surgical wound. Benefits of Portable Compression Therapy Systems: Easy to manage post-op (eliminates messy ice bags and the need to get up and down to refill them). Provides compression in variable levels – from 15 to 75 mmhg – in order to stimulate lymph drainage and reduce swelling. Allows user control of both ice water cycling time and compression levels, which prevents over-chilling and facilitates precise adherence to the RICE recommendation of your doctor or physical therapist.