How to Apply a Cold Compress
If you have muscle ache, muscle strain, inflamed joints, bruise, inflammation or any other injury, hang in there — pain relief is possible. The traditional cold compress is an ultimate solution for all these issues. Moreover, it soothes fever, headaches, and toothaches as well. A cold compress contracts the tissues and muscles of the affected area and, therefore, clots the blood effectively, relieving the pain and swelling. Even doctors and athletes first treat sprains and injuries with Cold Compresses.
The best time to bring it into play is just after the injury takes place. You will find wide range of ready-to-use cold compresses over the counter at your local medical stores and pharmacies. However, you can make your old compress at home as well. It is very simple activity to perform and takes no more than 5 to 10 minutes. The biggest advantage of the homemade cold compress is that you can customize it in order to make it more effective, adding in the useful essential oils.
The application of the cold compress is not that easy as it looks like. It involves a proper procedure, after all its all about dealing with the wounded and sensitive skin, tendons, and muscles etc.
Things Required:
– Small bowl
– Cold water
– Washcloth
– Bandage
– Small plastic bag
– Lavender essential oil
Instructions
-
1
Put a Compress in Order
Take a clean washcloth and fold it up to one-fourth of its overall size. Set it aside. -
2
Get the Compress Solution Ready
Grab a large bowl and decant some cold water into it. Pour few drops of lavender essential oil into it and leave it to stand for few minutes. Wait until the oil incorporates into water. -
3
Prepare the Affected Area
It is important to clean the affected area before treating it with a cold compress. Take a soft damp towel and gently clean the affected area. Otherwise, wash it with lukewarm water and wipe it dry very softly. -
4
Prepare the Cold Compress
Dip the previously folded wash cloth into the oil mixture in the bowl and leave it for few minutes until it absorbs the cold water properly. Take out the damp cloth and squeeze out the excess water, using your hands. -
5
Wrap up the Compress
Once your twist out the surplus water, enfold the cold compress in a plastic bag and seal it. -
6
Apply the Cold Compress
Place the cold compress on the affected area, gently press it and hold for 10 minutes. -
7
Bring the Bandage into Play
Use a bandage to wrap up the cold compress against the affected part of your body and leave of for 10 to 15 minutes. -
8
Re-apply the Cold Compress
Unwrap the cold bandage and dip the wash cloth into cold water. Wring it and go through step 6 and step 7 to re-apply the cold compress. Apply cold compress during the initial 48 hours of an injury to soothe the pain and swelling. Apply it after every one hour.
