Why do people reach for a bag of frozen peas or an ice pack to treat injuries like sprains or sports injuries? The easy answer is, “Because it works”.

Cold therapy, known as cryotherapy, is is a well-established treatment recommended by sports physiotherapists and health professionals. It works by decreasing blood flow to the site of the injury, which helps to reduce inflammation and pain in the muscles, tendons and joints.

The same effect is created by using a product that contains menthol because of its cooling properties. However, while ice can take up to 20 minutes to reduce blood flow, menthol takes around five minutes. Clinical studies have shown that topical application of 2% menthol has cooling and mild counter-irritant effects, as well as a minor degree of local anaesthesia (a counter-irritant is a substance that creates irritation or mild inflammation in one location with the goal of lessening discomfort and/or inflammation in another location).

Menthol is the key ingredient in Deep Freeze, a product designed to treat sprains, strains, minor sports injuries, muscle and joint pain, as well as pain associated with arthritis and backache. Clinical studies have shown that Deep Freeze offers fast-acting relief from pain. Deep Freeze Arnica Ice is a combination of arnica and menthol and is a topical counter-irritant for treatment of pain and inflammation. Massaging the product on the affected area immediately after injury soothes pain and acts as a counter-irritant.

Deep Freeze should be used for 24 to 48 hours as part of the “RICE” method: rest, ice, compression and elevation.

Other benefits of Deep Freeze over traditional ice packs include:

  • Absorbed rapidly.
  • More comfortable and convenient to use – won’t melt or mess. Plus, unlike an ice pack, which needs to be held in place, Deep Freeze simply needs to be applied and you can then continue with your day, making it a convenient option when you’re on the go.

Available in different sizes to meet your specific needs. The 35g gel option is perfect for handbags or for training with, while the 100g can be kept in medicine cabinets and the 500g tub offers value for money.

Available in a form that suits you – patch, gel or spray. The patch offers a cooling effect that can last up to twelve hours.  The 150ml spray has the added benefit of requiring no rubbing in.

Article written by EPT – The Ultimate Sports Recovery Experts