Physician Information

FirstIce applies cold to the body in a unique way compared to all other cold packs. FirstIce is unique because the ice in the pack adjacent to the skin quickly melts and is replaced by firm beads. The ice in the remainder of the FirstIce pack in then largely spaced away from direct contact with the skin by the beads. Frozen peas work in the same safe, comfortable manner; the frozen pea adjacent to the skin thaws, spacing the frozen peas away from the skin. (The shortcomings of frozen peas: they turn to mush and warm too quickly.) Gel packs, perhaps the most dangerous type of cold therapy, can deliver super cold freezer temperatures (home freezers are typically 0F to -20F) to the body long enough to cause frostbite.

Important features of FirstIce:

1)  Safe application temperature, designed for professional use
2)  Will not leak on wound site
3)  Convenient
4)  Cost effective and reusable

However, we must consider that a cold therapy regimen is not for everyone.

WARNINGS: Patients with compromised local circulation, Sickle-Cell Anemia, Raynaulds or any other vasospastic disease or cold hypersensitivity should not be considered as viable candidates for treatment. Skin condition should be constantly monitored while using any cold therapy. If any redness, irritation, or increased sensitivity occurs treatment should be immediately discontinued.

Cold therapy of any type should feel comfortable, should not feel too cold, and should not irritate the skin. These are all signs that something is wrong—Either with the application of the therapy or sensitivity of the patient to cold therapy. A patient should immediately stop treatment and contact a physician before further treatment.

The following caution and warning appear on the product label:

CAUTION: FirstIce will not burn or injure skin tissue, but direct application of any cold pack to the skin is not recommended. Acceptable and recommended application is over a thin dressing. FirstIce is non-toxic and it is not intended for internal use.

WARNING: If you are being cared for by a medical professional following surgery or an injury, always discuss the use of cold therapy with your doctor prior to use. Observe skin condition during use. If redness, pain or swelling develops or a change in skin sensitivity occurs, discontinue use and contact your healthcare professional immediately.

Typical application needs:

Cosmetic surgery to the skin: Not recommended because circulation may have been compromised increasing the danger of tissue damage.

Knee or shoulder surgery: 6 standard packs, 2 on the body, 4 in the freezer. Use a simple wrap to retain. Freeze at home prior to surgery.

Ankle, elbow, hand surgery: 3 standard packs, 1 on the body, 2 in the freezer. Use a simple wrap to retain. Freeze at home prior to surgery.

Podiatry, post surgical: 3 standard packs, 1 on the body, 2 in the freezer. Use a simple wrap to retain. Freeze at home prior to surgery.

Breast augmentation or surgery: 6 standard packs, 2 on the body, 4 in the freezer. Freeze at home prior to surgery.

Vasectomy, hydrocelectomy: 2 Standard packs, 1 on the body, 1 in the freezer.

Dental surgery: Use 2 to 4 packs, 1 or 2 on the body, 2 or 4 in the freezer. Use a simple wrap to retain. Freeze at home prior to surgery.

Physical therapy: For intensive physical therapy 2 to 4 standard packs typically applied once after a workout. Have them at home or in a cooler frozen to apply after therapy. Use a simple wrap to retain in place.

Athletic injury or overuse: Keep packs frozen in ice chest at practice and competition. Apply in the same manner as ice packs using tape or wraps.

References:

The effect of cryotherapy on intraarticular temperature and postoperative care after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10352774?dopt=Citation

The use of cryotherapy in sports injuries.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3538270?dopt=Citation

The efficacy of cryotherapy following arthroscopic knee surgery.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9201637?dopt=Citation

Postoperative analgesic effects of an external cooling system and intra-articular bupivacaine/morphine after arthroscopic cruciate ligament surgery.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9046503?dopt=Citation

Continuous-flow cold therapy for outpatient anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9531122?dopt=Citation