You can’t beat a cold pack for treating bruises or muscle pain. Cathy from Cincinnati shares a tip about how to make your own professional-style cold pack.
How to Assemble:
- Mix the alcohol, water and food coloring together in a freezer bag. Remove all the air from the bag and seal it completely. (The food coloring is to let everyone know: This is not something to eat!)
- Place the bag with the mixture inside another quart-size bag. Remove the air from the second bag and seal.
- Place the bag in the freezer until you need it. It will take three to five hours to freeze depending on your freezer. After each use, return the bag to the freezer.
- Change the ratios to get a softer or firmer gel pack. For a more flexible gel pack, add more alcohol. For a more solid gel pack, add more water.
How and When to Use Cold Packs:
- Bruises, sprains and muscle pains—Cold reduces swelling, tenderness and inflammation. It can also speed healing.
- Scrapes—Cold reduces bleeding and eases pain by numbing the area.
General rule of thumb: Put the cold pack on for 20 minutes, then off for 20 minutes. Use for two to four hours for the first one to three days after an injury.
