A cold therapy unit designed for the knee joint utilizes circulating chilled water to reduce pain and inflammation. These devices typically consist of a reservoir for iced water, a pump to circulate the water, and a flexible pad or cuff that conforms to the knee’s shape. A hose system connects the pad to the reservoir, allowing the cooled water to flow around the affected area. This targeted application of cold therapy is often recommended following knee surgery or injury.
Controlled cold application plays a vital role in post-operative recovery and injury management. By constricting blood vessels, cold therapy minimizes swelling and reduces pain signals, promoting faster healing and improved comfort. This modality has become an essential component of modern orthopedic care and physical therapy, offering a non-pharmaceutical approach to pain relief and inflammation reduction. The development of these devices has allowed for more efficient and convenient cold application compared to traditional methods like ice packs.