Research has shown that early use of cooling therapy, combined with compression, is an effective treatment for a wide spectrum of musculoskeletal pain and injury, including knee ligament damage; ankle and wrist sprains; and elbow and shoulder injury. By decreasing blood flow and slowing metabolism, cooling and compression therapy may limit hemorrhage and cell death associated with tissue trauma, while also accelerating recovery and the return to a normal range of motion.

Heat treatment
Whereas cold treatments are prescribed after injury or exercise, heat is applied to prepare injured muscles and joints prior to activity. Heat helps to relax and loosen tissues, reducing soreness, as well as stimulate blood flow to the affected area. Overuse injuries in athletes are often treated with heat therapy to prepare the limb and reduce the chance of further damage.

Heat treatment is also widely used to improve the range of joint motion. However proper temperature control is important. Improper heating can negate any therapeutic benefits by over-stimulating blood flow to the treatment area, which may induce swelling and reduce mobility. Excessive heat can also result in tissue or nerve damage.

The VitalWrap solution
The VitalWrap System can be used alone, or as part of a comprehensive pain-management strategy formulated by your health care provider. The ability to safely deliver extended thermal therapy using either cold or heat make the VitalWrap System ideal for treating both acute and chronic injuries in any area of the body - from common sprains and strains to shin splints and tennis elbow. Talk with your doctor to find out how it can work for you.

The VitalWrap System can be used alone, or as part of a comprehensive pain management strategy created by you and your healthcare provider. The VitalWrap System is designed to fit any part of the body and is commonly used to ease pain and swelling and promote better sleep following:

• Knee surgery
• Back surgery
• Shoulder surgery
• Elbow surgery
• Hand or wrist surgery
• Orthopedic procedures
• C-section

More effective than ice packs
The combination of cooling and compression therapies has been shown to be more effective than cooling therapy alone. In a study comparing the use of ice packs to cooling-compression therapy following ACL reconstruction surgery¹, patients experienced less pain, less swelling, reduced consumption of analgesics, and better knee function following the use of a cold-compression wrap.

Cold therapy
Also known as "cryotherapy," this is the use of cold (usually ice packs or ice baths) to relax muscle spasms, slow nerve impulses, and decrease blood circulation, which helps reduce swelling, inflammation and pain. When used for cold therapy, VitalWrap fits snugly around the affected area, providing maximum benefit, ease of use, and comfort.

Heat therapy
The application of heat can also be used in many different forms to relax muscles. Heat provides pain relief and speeds healing by increasing blood flow to the affected area. Unfortunately, hot showers and steam baths are not always convenient. Heating pads tend to slip off, and too much heat can cause injury. The VitalWrap System provides just the right amount of heat (maximum 105° F) through a therapeutic wrap that stays comfortably in place.

Contrast therapy
This is the alternating use of hot and cold. The theory behind contrast therapy is that switching rapidly between heating therapy and cooling therapy advances the healing process. Heating therapy causes dilation (opening) of the blood vessels, which stimulates waste removal and nutrient delivery; while cooling therapy constricts (closes) blood vessels, which reduces swelling and inflammation. One common method of contrast therapy is the use of contrast baths, in which the patient submerges the injured tissue in side-by-side containers of ice water and hot water, alternating between the two.

A practical alternative
The VitalWrap System provides a more convenient way to deliver post-surgical therapy. The control unit allows you to vary the temperature from 40° F to 105° F for any combination of heating, cooling, and compression according to your doctor’s instructions. The VitalWrap System’s therapies are also safer and more comfortable than ice packs, ice baths, or heating pads, making it easier for patients to complete their treatment regimens.

Specially tailored wraps are available to fit any part of the body. Your surgeon or orthopedic specialist will instruct you on how to use the VitalWrap System to promote healing and reduce pain.

Covered by insurance
When properly prescribed by a physician or qualified healthcare provider, Medicare, workers’ compensation, and many private insurance plans will cover the VitalWrap System.