Science
Due to the extensive depth and range of scientific papers based on both Cryotherapy and the RICE protocols, we have selected a small sample of these that we feel relevant.(See below) If however you have a sports, medical or injury specific question relating to the use of the Zamar in treatment or rehabilitation then please do not hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to refer you to the relevant paper or person who can give you that information.
In addition to this we have Zamar units in a number of reference sites across the UK who would be more than happy to share with you the benefits they are experiencing when using the Zamar System on a daily basis as well as ongoing studies utilising the machine.
1. Rehabilitation of the Rotator Cuff: An Evaluation-Based Approach
Peter J. Millett, MD, MSc, Reg B. Wilcox, III, PT, DPT, MS, James D. O’Holleran, MD and Jon J. P. Warner, MD
"Rotator cuff disease of the shoulder, a common condition, is often incapacitating. Whether nonsurgical or surgical, successful management of rotator cuff disease is dependent on appropriate rehabilitation. Numerous rehabilitation protocols for the management of rotator cuff disease are based primarily on anecdotal clinical observation. The available literature on shoulder rehabilitation, in conjunction with clinical observation that takes into consideration the underlying tissue quality and structural integrity of the rotator cuff, can be compiled into a set of rehabilitation guidelines. The four phases of rehabilitation begin with maintaining and protecting the repair in the immediate postoperative period, followed by progression from early passive range of motion through return to preoperative levels of function."
2. Continuous-flow cold therapy for outpatient anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Barber FA, McGuire DA, Click S.
Plano Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center, Texas 75093, USA.
This prospective, randomized study evaluated continuous-flow cold therapy for postoperative pain in outpatient arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions. In group 1, cold therapy was constant for 3 days then as needed in days 4 through 7. Group 2 had no cold therapy. Evaluations and diaries were kept at 1, 2, and 8 hours after surgery, and then daily. Pain was assessed using the VAS and Likert scales. There were 51 cold and 49 noncold patients included. Continuous passive movement (CPM) use averaged 54 hours for cold and 41 hours for noncold groups (P=.003). Prone hangs were done for 192 minutes in the cold group and 151 minutes in the noncold group. Motion at 1 week averaged 5/88 for the cold group and 5/79 the noncold group. The noncold group average visual analog scale (VAS) pain and Likert pain scores were always greater than the cold group. The noncold group average Vicodin use (Knoll, Mt. Olive, NJ) was always greater than the cold group use (P=.001). Continuous-flow cold therapy lowered VAS and Likert scores, reduced Vicodin use, increased prone hangs, CPM, and knee flexion. Continuous-flow cold therapy is safe and effective for outpatient ACL reconstruction reducing pain medication requirements.
3. The efficacy of cryotherapy in the postoperative shoulder
Speer KP, Warren RF, Horowitz L.
We report the results of an outcome study that used visual analog scales to evaluate the efficacy of cryotherapy in the postoperative shoulder. This prospective study included 50 consecutive patients admitted to the hospital for at least one night after anterior shoulder stabilization, rotator cuff repair, or total shoulder replacement. The patients were randomized: 25 were fitted with a cryotherapy device in the operating room, and 25 were not. Otherwise, postoperative treatment was identical for the two groups, including types of analgesic agents given. Visual analog responses were converted to numeric values by simple measurement techniques. The scales assessed pain, comfort, sleep, analgesic use, and overall satisfaction. On the night of the operation the pain was less severe and occurred less often in the cryotherapy group. Those in the cryotherapy group slept better on the night of the operation and perceived the need to use pain medicine less often in comparison with those in the noncryotherapy group. By postoperative day 10 patients in the cryotherapy group reported their shoulders hurt less often and with less severity. Swelling was less, and shoulder movement hurt less during rehabilitation, enhancing the rehabilitative effort. Cryotherapy offers a number of benefits for care of patients in the immediate postoperative period.
