Ice can help decrease pain, swelling and inflammation after injury. By applying ice immediately after damage to soft tissues, the level of swelling and amount of blood allowed to leak out may be substantially limited.
The most common use of ice in physiotheraphy is in simple ice packs. Both ice cubes and flaked ice are suitable for ice packs but if flaked ice is used it can be moulded around the injured area for maximum cooling effect.
Manitowoc ice machines, distributed in the UK by Winterhalter, can supply physio-clinics offering cryotherapy, the use of cooling techniques in the treatment of injuries, with an easily accessible and constant supply of ice.
Many clinics think they do not have the space for an ice machine but Manitowoc’s QF-0406A flake ice machine only measures 66cm wide but is capable of producing up to 179kg of flaked ice in 24 hours. The flaked ice comprises small soft pieces of ice with a 65% ice to water ratio. It is soft enough for hand scooping into packs but is also extremely long-lasting to give maximum cooling time and therapeutic effect.
Ice baths have become popular for recuperation in contact sports like rugby and with endurance athletes while for other sports that mainly stress the legs, such as football, partial immersion is often considered sufficient.
The slow melting cubes produced by Manitowoc’s S600 Series of machines are ideal for clinics offering ice bath therapy. These 76cm wide machines have a daily ice produce of 295kg and when combined with a B-570 storage bin can hold up to 195kg of ice.
The S600 Series uses Manitowoc’s patented automatic cleaning and sanitising technology to ensure ease of use and a constant supply of hygienically clean ice. With a wipe-clean stainless steel finish the machines fit in well in modern clinical environments. They are extremely energy efficient and economic on water usage. They are supplied with a 2 year parts and labour guarantee.
Manitowoc has a huge range of ice machines; they are distributed in the UK by Winterhalter. They include the EC Series of spray-production machines, which make premium quality octagonal cubes; the S Series of modular machines with separate storage bins for high volume production; the Q Series of compact and under-counter machines with integral bins, and specialist products such as ice flaker machines. Accessories include modular storage bins; ice dispensers; a range of dedicated water filters; and Manitowoc’s patented AuCS automatic cleaning system.
For further details, call Winterhalter on 01908 359000, see www.winterhalter.co.uk or email info@winterhalter.co.uk