Im currently trying to establish the best evidence based approach to improve outcomes post knee replacement,especially the ability to aide swelling.

It has been "common knowledge" to use ice to aid swelling and therefore aid movement and muscle control. However i am yet to find any reasonable convincing scientific evidence that there is a rational basis for the use of ice for this very useful biological response. There's limited evidence to suggest that the application of ice enhances the recovery rate of injury rehabilitation. I understand the supposed lewis hunting responses that " reduces inflammation", but where is the actual evidence.

Conversely, there's probably growing evidence that suggests it might actually be detrimental to attempt to reduce the inflammatory response through ice application because inflammation is a critical part of the repair process.

I understand the use for analgesic aide but are we just using ice because we always have done?

I'd really appreciate your views on the ways you may help to control swelling post surgery, and what the general consensus is on cryotherapy for "reducing swelling".
How can we truly improve our patients outcomes......using Evidence.


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