Discharge Instructions: Using a Cold Water Therapy Device
Your doctor prescribed a cold water therapy device. A cold water therapy device helps reduce pain and swelling and aids recovery. The device maintains a constant and precise temperature, providing up to 7 hours of continuous cold water therapy. Here’s what you need to know about home care.
Home Care
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Use the cold water therapy device as directed by your doctor. He or she will tell you how many hours a day you should use it.
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Apply the pad to the area of your body that is injured. Don’t wrap the area too tightly; firm pressure is enough.
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Press the hand pump
5 times. You will feel cold water fill the pad. -
Pump again whenever the pad begins to feel warm (
15-20 minutes). You can continuously circulate the cold water from the cooler. Most devices can provide about 7 hours of cold therapy. -
Take pain medication as directed.
Follow-Up
Make a follow-up appointment as directed by our staff.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Call 911 right away if you have:
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Chest pain.
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Shortness of breath.
Otherwise, call your doctor immediately if you have:
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Fever of
100.4 °F or higher, or shaking chills. -
Increased redness, tenderness, or swelling of the incision or injured limb.
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Drainage from the incision.
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Increased pain with or without activity.
