Comparisons
REAL ICE vs. GEL PACKS
| Total Ice Therapy Ice Wraps | Cold Gel Packs |
|---|---|
| Uses real ice and water which will reach approximately 40° - 42° and is the optimum for icing any area without burning the skin | May reach temperatures low enough to cause tissue damage or freezing, therefore limiting usage time |
| Molds to the contours of the affected area thus treating the entire injury | Buckles up, leaving some of the injured area untreated because of gaps |
| Compression forces of neoprene wrap allow for deep penetration of cold | Gel packs eventually break down and won't stay cold or get cold enough for adequate treatment, and don't penetrate deeply |
| Makes for easy compliance because the compressive neoprene and Velcro straps allow for mobility with treatment | Must remain immobile or hold gel pack in place with hand |
| Ice is available just about anywhere, so these wraps can be used wherever you go | Need to stay in the freezer, so they cannot be taken on the road, to tournaments, etc. |
REMEMBER: IF YOU HURT YOURSELF...YOU NEED TO ICE
