ICE

[blitz373]

Just Curious:   I am 4 weeks after surgery and I still use ice 2-3 times per day on my hip.. Do you all still use ice ??    your thoughts on using ice will  be appreciated?    thank you ...

[obxpelican]

Some people use ice, even after weeks post-op, especially if you over did things.

Ice is good for healing.


Chuck

[sroberts]

I bought gel ice packs that I used for 4 months. My second best friend.

spencer

[Barbara]

I am 9 weeks and 17 weeks post op (bil BHR) and have used ice frequently. My PT recommends ice after each session. It still feels good if I feel that I've overworked my muscles a bit. I'd say Ice has been the most vital therapy in my recovery. Much better than pain medications without the horrible side effects.

Barbara

[hawaiieric]

Ice is the best known pain relief to mankind, its a natural pain reliever.  But remember the rule, 20 minutes on-20 minutes off, that way you don't destroy tissue from frost burn or bite.  Before surgery I knew that rule, so when I did ice, I always was only 20 on.  So keep that as your caution. 

[Todd]

Blitz,
I would highly recommend purchasing several reusable ice packs as the first weeks after surgery they will be invaluable.  Icing will help to heal, control swelling, and ease the discomfort.  I am doing my second hip in a few weeks, and the thing I will do differently than with the first one is to ice more in the hospital, and more at home in the first several days especially.  Now 4 weeks post op, I ice after exercising and after PT to help control swelling and aid healing. Often times, I would wrap my whole thigh with ice with the leg elevated late in the day.  It's nice to have additional ice packs in the freezer for the next round while the other ones cool off again. 

[Mudpro]

At week 8+ I still use ice after every PT session and after every long walk or bike ride.

I liked the ice pad at the therapists so much, I got them to order me one and paid them their cost.  Darn thing is large, flexible and COLD.  Much better for bending to the shape than using real ice.  I still use a bag of frozen peas or corn for icing down the groin area.