TIP: Cold Therapy - Knee

Cindy is discussing the use of cold therapy after a total knee replacement to help reduce swelling and pain. It is good to combine your cold therapy with elevation of the surgical leg.  See video for proper positioning for elevation.

**Always use a barrier between your skin and the cold source. 

**Perform occasional skin checks in the area of cold use.

Variety of Cold Therapy Sources

  • Ice Pack
  • Gel Pack
  • Frozen bag of corn or peas
  • Circulating cold water therapy systems

Apply above sources for 15-20 minutes at a time.  Use a barrier between the cold source and your skin.  Perform skin check after removal and prior to next application.  Allow at least one hour between each application.

Polar Care Cube 

  • Knee pad
  • Velcro straps for thigh and calf
  • Power source typically plug in on lid next to circulating tubes
  • Can use frozen water bottles instead of ice
  • Has fill lines for water and ice
  • Small filter in end of "cone" can be cleaned
  • Check if water is not circulating into pad
  • Check with PT and/or RN regarding how long the knee pad can be left on at a time
  • Use a barrier between the knee pad and skin

NEWGO Knee Cold Pack Wrap    https://amzn.to/2tGruU4

 

https://aecorner.video/video/HELPdurham/knee-cold-tx1