Device, system, and methods for applying cryotherapy

A device, system, and methods for applying cryotherapy to a joint or body part are disclosed herein. The device comprises an adjustable wrap structure capable of wrapping at least partially around various joints or body parts. Two pockets each having an easily accessible opening manufactured on opposite sides of the wrap structure's central region on the inside surface of the wrap structure in which a cooling vehicle, such as a ice bag or a gel pack, may be inserted. A joint alignment means is manufactured on the in the central region of each device so that the device can be properly aligned and position on the joint or body part. An adjustable device attachment means is included to hold the device in place during use. The system for applying cryotherapy uses the above disclosed device and multiple sets of gel packs each set containing a coolant substance having a different freezing temperature. A method for initially applying cryotherapy that elicits less pain and a method of applying extending cryotherapy treatment are also disclosed herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD 
This invention relates generally to devices, systems and methods for 
applying cryotherapy to an injured joint or body part. More particularly, 
this invention relates to devices and systems used in cryotherapy which 
apply cooling vehicles, such as ice bags or gel packs, to the joint and 
body part, and to improved methods for applying cryotherapy using the 
herein disclosed device and system. 
BACKGROUND ART 
Cryotherapy, the application of ice or other cold materials, is a proven 
modality for use in the initial treatment and the rehabilitation for a 
variety of musculo-skeletal injuries, including sprains, strains, 
contusions, and fractures. It has also been found to be useful in the 
rehabilitation process after minor surgery, such as arthroscopic surgery. 
Generally, the goals of cryotherapy are to limit the formation of edema, to 
reduce pain, and to reduce muscle spasms. There are various types of 
devices, systems, and methods used today to apply cryotherapy including 
ice massage, ice immersion, cold whirlpools, ice bags, cold towels, cold 
gel packs, cold chemical packs, and vapor-coolant sprays. 
It is known that clinical response to cryotherapy is improved if the 
cooling vehicle, such as an ice bag or gel pack, is cooled to a suitable 
low temperature and applied proximally to the joint or body part. The 
clinical response to cryotherapy is also improved if the cooling vehicle 
is kept sufficiently cold and applied continuously to the area during 
treatment. Generally, clinical response improves the longer the cooling 
vehicles are applied to the area. Unfortunately, most cooling vehicles 
generally lose their coldness in a relatively short time and must be 
replaced for extended treatment. Also, the application of the cold cooling 
vehicles for relatively long periods to the area can cause frostbite in 
the adjacent skin and superficial tissues. Moreover, the initial 
application the cooling vehicles to the skin surface often elicits a pain 
response which, after continuous application, gives way to an aching or 
throbbing sensation and then eventually to numbness. 
The device and system used in the application of cryotherapy can also 
affect the clinical response. It is known, for example that for optimal 
treatment, the cooling vehicles should be positioned on opposite sides of 
the joint or body part so that deep, even penetration of cold treatment 
may be given. Many joints, however, such as the knee, elbow, ankle, and 
jaw, have sharp angles or protuberances which make proper alignment and 
placement of the device and the cooling vehicles difficult or impossible. 
Also, since extended cryotherapy treatment requires the continuous 
application of sufficiently cold cooling vehicles, several sets of 
sufficiently cold cooling vehicles must be on hand for exchanged in the 
device during treatment. Ideally, for optimal cryotherapy treatment, the 
cooling vehicles should be exchanged without removing the device from the 
joint or body part. 
Heretofore, several devices have been used to apply cryotherapy to various 
joints and body parts using various cooling vehicles, such as ice bags or 
gel packs. Many of these devices, such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent 
Nos. 4,753,240, and 4,676,247, fail to address the problems listed above. 
The present inventors have, therefore, determined that a new device, system 
and improved methods are needed for applying cryotherapy. 
It is a general object of this invention to provide an orthopedic device 
that uses standard size cooling vehicles to apply cryotherapy to various 
joints or body parts. 
It is an object of this invention to provide such a device that can be 
easily aligned and attached to the various joints or body parts including 
those having sharp angles or protuberances. 
It is an object of this invention to provide such a device that disposes 
the cooling vehicles on substantially opposite sides of the joint or body 
part so that optimal therapeutic treatment may be given. 
It is another object of the invention to provide a system for applying 
relatively long periods of cryotherapy to a joint or body part that uses 
the herein disclosed device. 
It is further object of this invention to provide a method of applying 
cryotherapy which elicits little or no pain from the user when used 
initially. 
It a still further object of this invention to provide a safe, optimal 
method of applying extended cryotherapy treatment. 
These and other objects of the invention which will become apparent are 
accomplished by the device, system, and methods further described herein. 
The device comprises an adjustable wrap structure made of flexible material 
that is capable of wrapping at least partially around various joints and 
body parts. In one embodiment, the wrap structure has a central region 
with two pockets manufactured on opposite sides thereof. Each pocket is 
formed by registering and attaching a flexible, thermal-conductive cover 
to the inside surface of the wrap structure. An extending edge of the 
cover is unattached to the inside surface thereby creating an easily 
accessible opening into each pocket. 
During use, a sufficiently cooled or frozen cooling vehicle, such as an ice 
bag or gel pack, is placed inside each pocket and used to apply 
cryotherapy to the joint or body part. The position of the openings to the 
pockets on the inside surface of the device allows for the easy exchange 
of the cooling vehicle from each pocket without removing the device from 
the joint or body part. 
A joint alignment means is located on the wrap structure's central region 
between the two pockets. The joint alignment means allows the device to be 
properly positioned and aligned on various joints or body parts. It is 
especially useful on angled joints or body parts or those having 
protuberances which make positioning and alignment of typical devices 
difficult. The joint alignment means comprises an opening or passage which 
enables the wrap structure to be aligned on the joint or body part so that 
the pockets are disposed on substantially opposite sides of the joint or 
body part for optimal cooling. Although the joint alignment means may be 
manufactured in any shape, in one embodiment disclosed herein, it 
comprises a circular passage through which the vertex or protuberances of 
the joint or body part may be partially extended. 
A device attachment means is attached to the wrap structure for adjustably 
securing the device to the joint or body part. The device attachment means 
comprises at least one elastic strap permanently attached at one end to an 
edge of the wrap structure or pocket. During use, the opposite, detachable 
end of the strap is placed around the joint or body part and adjustably 
connected to the outside surface of the wrap structure located on the 
opposite side of the device. In one embodiment, the strap is made of 
elastic material which enables the device to be pulled slightly from joint 
or body part surface so that the cooling vehicles may be more easily 
removed and exchanged. 
A strap attachment means is used to adjustably connect the detachable end 
of each strap to the wrap structure's opposite outside surface. In one 
embodiment, the strap attachment means comprises a pad-shaped hook 
connector and a pad-shaped loop connector disposed between the detachable 
end of the strap and the wrap structure's outside surface. 
A system and improved methods for applying cryotherapy using the above 
described device is also disclosed herein. It has been discovered that the 
temperature of a joint or body part may be adjusted by exchanging 
different sets of gel packs, each having different freezing and cooling 
properties, in the device during treatment. The freezing and cooling 
property of the gel packs may be changed by altering the chemical 
composition of the coolant substance contained in each gel pack. 
The system uses two or more sets of standard size gel packs placed inside 
each pocket during use. The gel packs containing a coolant substance 
comprised by volume;0.5% to 2% polymer gel, 3 to 10% glycerin, and 88 to 
96.5% water. The compositions of each coolant substance is adjusted within 
the above ranges so that each set of two gel packs freezes at a different 
temperature below 32 degrees F. The first set of gel packs contains a 
coolant substance comprising by volume 1% polymer gel, 3% glycerin, and 
96% water and freezes at approximately 28 degrees F. The second set of gel 
packs contains a coolant substance comprising by volume 1% polymer gel, 7% 
glycerin, and 92% water and, freezes at approximately 21 degrees F. An 
optional third set of gel packs contains a coolant substance comprising by 
volume 1% polymer gel, 10% glycerin, and 89% water, and freezes at 
approximately 10 degrees F. 
Prior to use, all of the gel packs are stored at a temperature below the 
freezing temperature of the lowest freezing gel pack. It is known that the 
lowest possible temperature of a gel pack is limited by the freezing 
temperature of the coolant substance contained therein. This property 
allows every set of gel packs to be conveniently stored at a very low 
temperature in one freezer until needed. Since each gel pack is made of 
transparent material, a dye substance may be added to each coo substance 
so its freezing properties may be easily determined. 
The improved method of initial applying cryotherapy that elicits less pain 
when initially applied by gradually lowering the skin temperature of the 
joint or body part. The improved method comprises the following steps: (1) 
selecting and attaching a properly fitting a device which can hold two 
attached gel packs on substantially opposite sides of the joint; (2) 
selecting a frozen first set of gel packs containing a coolant substance 
having a freezing temperature of approximately 30 degrees F.; (3) placing 
one gel pack from the first set of gel packs into each pocket for 
approximately twenty to sixty minutes; (4) removing the first set of gel 
packs from each pocket; (5) selecting a frozen second set of gel packs 
containing a coolant substance having a freezing temperature of 
approximately 25 degrees F.; (6) placing one gel pack from the second set 
of gel into each pocket for approximately twenty to sixty minutes; (7) 
keeping each gel pack from the second set of gel packs in each pocket 
until cryotherapy treatment is completed, and; (8) removing the device 
from the joint. 
An improved method for applying extended cryotherapy treatment to a joint 
is also disclosed using multiple sets of gel packs which lower and raise 
the skin temperature of the joint or body part during treatment. The 
improved method comprises the following steps: (1) selecting and attaching 
a properly fitting device which can hold at least two attached gel packs 
on substantially opposite sides of a joint; (2) selecting a frozen set of 
first set of gel packs containing a coolant substance having a freezing 
temperature of approximately 30 degrees F.; (3) placing one gel pack from 
the first set of gel packs into each pocket on the device so that each gel 
pack is disposed on substantially opposite sides of the joint; (4) keeping 
the device attached to the joint continuously until the temperature of the 
skin located immediately around the joint is between 40 and 45 degrees F.; 
(5) exchanging the first set of gel packs with a frozen second set gel 
packs containing a coolant substance having a freezing temperature of 
approximately 25 degrees F.; (6) keeping the device attached to the joint 
continuously until temperature of the skin located immediately around the 
joint is between 30 to 40 degrees F.; (7) removing the second set of gel 
packs from each pocket; (8) repeating steps 3 through 7 for 3 to 24 hours 
or until swelling or pain is reduced, and; (9) removing the device from 
the joint. 
For special conditions and applications, a frozen third set of gel packs 
containing coolant substance with a freezing temperature of approximately 
18 degrees F. may be used for 15 to 30 minutes between steps (7) and (8) 
for further cooling.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 
The present invention disclosed and claimed herein comprises a portable 
device, generally referred to as 12, used to apply cryotherapy to various 
joints or body parts 13, (hereinafter referred generally as joint 13). 
Also disclosed and claimed herein is a system for applying cryotherapy 
comprising the device 12 and two or more sets of gel packs and two 
improved methods for applying cryotherapy treatment using the above 
system. Although the following invention will be described in its 
preferred embodiment for use on humans, it should be understood that 
device 12, system, and the methods disclosed herein may be used with other 
animals. As shown generally in FIG. 1, device 12 is used to apply 
cryotherapy to a joint 13 by applying two cooling vehicles 44, such as an 
ice bag or gel pack (hereinafter generally referred to as cooling vehicle 
44), contained in two pockets to the skin surface of various joints 13. 
Device 12 comprises a wrap structure 14 that is able to wrap at least 
partially around the joint 13. Two pockets 30 are manufactured on the 
inside surface 15 of wrap structure 14 on opposites sides the wrap 
structure's 14 central region 32. A joint alignment means comprising a 
circular passage 34 is manufactured on central region 32 which enables the 
vertex or protuberance of the joint to partially extend through so that 
device 12 may be properly positioned and aligned when used on the joint 
13. A device attachment means comprising straps 35 are used to hold device 
12 in place around the joint 13. 
As shown in greater detail in FIGS. 2-3, wrap structure 14 is 
rectangular-shaped and made of flexible material, such as cotton or nylon. 
Wrap structure 14 has an inside surface 15, an outside surface 16, upper 
and lower horizontal edges, 17, and 18, respectively, and first and second 
vertical edges, 19 and 20, respectively. The edges 17-20 may be covered 
with binding tape 21 which provides a finished appearance and keeps the 
wrap structure's flexible material from unraveling. 
Each pocket 30 is formed on wrap structure 14 by registering and attaching 
three edges of a cover 25 to the inside surface 15. Binding tape 28 may be 
attached to the three edges to secure them to inside surface 15. The 
extending edge 26 of each cover 25 is unattached thereby creating an 
easily accessible opening 31 into each pocket 30. Each cover 25 is made of 
thin, lightweight, flexible, thermal conductive material. In the preferred 
embodiment, cover 25 is made of thin nylon mesh material with mesh 
openings 29 approximately 1/8 inch in diameter. As shown in FIG. 4, during 
use, a cooling vehicle 44 is placed inside each pocket 30. The mesh 
openings 29 of cover 25 allow each cooling vehicle 44 to partially touch 
the skin surface so that maximum cooling treatment is given. 
Located centrally on central region 32 is a joint alignment means which 
allows device 12 to be properly positioned and aligned on the joint 13. In 
the preferred embodiment, the joint alignment means comprises a circular 
passage 34 located approximately equal distance between each pocket 30. As 
discussed further below and as shown in FIGS. 10(a)-(d), during use, the 
vertex or protuberance of various joints 13 may be partially extended 
through circular passage 34 so that pockets 30 are disposed on 
substantially opposite sides of joint 13. 
A device attachment means is attached to wrap structure 14 to adjustably 
secure it to the joint 13. As seen in FIGS. 1-3, in the preferred 
embodiment, the device attachment means comprises two adjustable straps 35 
permanently attached at an attached end 38 to edge 20 of wrap structure 
14. Each strap 35 is substantially rectangular-shaped made of elastic 
nylon material with an opposite detachable end 39 and an inner and outer 
surfaces 36 and 37, respectively. Each strap 35 extends substantially 
perpendicular from edge 20 and spaced approximately equal distance from 
its nearest upper or bottom horizontal edge 17 and 18, respectively. 
A strap attachment means is disposed between the detachable end 39 of each 
strap 35 and the outside surface 16 of wrap structure 14 so that strap 35 
may be adjustably connected to outside surface 16 when device 12 is 
wrapped around a joint 13. In the preferred embodiment, the strap 
attachment means comprises a pad-shaped, hook connector 40 (trademark 
"VELCRO" connector) attached to inner surface 36 near detachable end 39 as 
shown in FIGS. 1-2. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, a large, complimentary 
pad-shape, loop connector 41 (trademark "VELCRO" connector) is attached to 
the outside surface 16 of wrap structure 14 near vertical edge 19. During 
use, the two hook connectors 40 on each strap 35 and the loop connector 41 
are interconnected to adjustably connect the detachable ends 39 of straps 
35 to outside surface 16. Hook connectors 40 are independently 
interconnected to loop connector 41 which allows them to be adjusted for 
different joints 13. 
Device 12 may be manufactured in different sizes for use on adults or 
children. For example, for use on adults, wrap structure 14 measures 
approximately 6 inches (H).times.13 inches (W) with central region 32 
measuring approximately 6 inches (H).times.3 inches (W). Each pocket 30 
measures approximately 6 inches (H).times.5 inches (W) and will hold a 
cooling vehicle 44 that measures approximately 5 inches (H).times.4 inches 
(W). Circular passage 34 located on central region 32 measures 
approximately 2 1/2 inches in diameter. Each strap 35 measures 
approximately 2 inches (W).times.9 inches (L) with hook connectors 40 each 
measuring approximately 1 3/4 inches (H).times.3 1/4 inches (W). Loop 
connector 41 measures approximately 4 inches (H).times.4 inches (W). 
For use on smaller adults and teenagers, device 12 is manufactured 
proportionately smaller with wrap structure 14 measuring approximately 5 
inches (H).times.11 inches (W). Central region 32 measures approximately 5 
inches (H).times.`1/2 inches (W). Each pocket 30 measures approximately 5 
inches (H).times.4 1/4inches (W) and will hold a cooling vehicle bag 44 
that measures approximately 4 inches (H).times.3 inches (W). The circular 
passage 34 located on central region 32 measures approximately 2 inches in 
diameter. Each strap 35 measures approximately 2 inches (H).times.7 inches 
with hook connectors 40 each measuring approximately 1 1/2 inches 
(H).times.2 1/2 inches (W) Loop connectors 41 measure approximately 3 
inches (H) and 3 inches (W). 
For use on children, device 12 is manufactured proportionately smaller with 
wrap structure 14 measuring approximately 4 inches (H).times.9 inches (W). 
Central region 32 pocket 30 measures approximately 4 inches (H).times.3 
1/2 inches (W) and will hold a cooling vehicle 44 that measures 
approximately 3 inches (H).times.2 inches (W). Circular passage 34 
measures approximately 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Each strap structure 35 
measures approximately 1 1/2 inches (H).times.6 inches with hook 
connectors 40 each measuring approximately 1 1/4inches (H).times.2 inches 
(W). Loop connector 41 measures approximately 2 inches (H).times.2 inches 
(W). 
In FIGS. 6-7, a second embodiment of the invention is illustrated with 
device 50 having a modified joint alignment means that may be useful in 
certain applications. Device 50 has a two pockets 30 on opposite sides of 
central region 51 which is slightly larger than central region 32 on 
device 12. Circular passage 34 on device 12 is replaced with an oval 
passage 52 which provides greater access to the joint 13 along the 
device's 50 longitudinal axis. In other embodiments, (not shown) oval 
passage 52 may be rotated so that greater access is provided across the 
device's transverse axis. Oval passage 52 provides greater access to 
surface of joint 13, which allows one to perform minor surgery, such as 
arthroscopic surgery, on joint 13 while device 50 is attached. By this 
manner, cryotherapy can be applied earlier to the joint 13 than with other 
commonly used devices or methods to reduce pain and swelling. 
FIGS. 8-9 illustrate a third embodiment of the invention that also may be 
useful for special applications. In some situations, it may be desirable 
to apply a pair of cooling vehicles 44 above and below the joint 13 rather 
than on opposite sides of the joint. Device 53 is designed for this 
purpose. Device 53 has two elongated straps 54 that extend laterally from 
edge 26 of device 53. Elongated straps 54 are connected at attached end 55 
and extended perpendicular from the extending edge 26 of each pocket 30. 
During use, cooling vehicles (not shown) are placed in each pocket 30 and 
elongated straps 54 are wrapped around the adjacent limb structures 75, 
76, (shown above and below joint 13, respectively) to adjustably secure 
device 53 to the joint 13. Elongated straps 54 are made of nylon, elastic 
material similar and slightly longer than straps 35 used on device 12 so 
that straps 54 can be wrapped around the larger limb structures 75 and 76. 
During use, detachable end 56 of each strap 54 is adjustably connected to 
the outside surface (not shown) on device 53 opposite edge 26 of pocket 
30. Hook and loop connectors 58 and 59, respectively, are disposed between 
each detachable end 56 and outside surface to adjustably secure each strap 
54 in place during use. 
As shown in FIG. 10(a)-(d), the device 12 may be used on different 
joints--elbow 90, ankle 93, knee 96 and jaw 99, respectively. In each 
application, the cooling vehicles 44 located in each pocket 30 are 
disposed on substantially opposites sides of each joint 90, 93, 96, and 99 
for optimal cooling effect. The circular opening 34 is of sufficient size 
so that vertex or protuberance 91, 94, 97, and 100 of each joint 90, 93, 
96, and 99, respectively, may partially extend through. 
The location of each opening 31 near upper horizontal edge 17 and the 
elastic nature of straps 35 allow the cooling vehicles 44 to be easy and 
quickly exchanged during use. In most situations, it is not necessary to 
remove device 12 from the joint 13 while removing and exchanging the 
cooling vehicles 44. If one strap 35 is loosened or disconnected, device 
12 while remain in proper position and alignment during the removal and 
exchange process. 
When treatment is completed, device 12 is removed from joint 13 by 
disconnecting hook and loop connectors 40 and 41, respectively. Device 12 
may be reused after washing with hot soap and water. 
Device 12 has been shown to be effective in applying cryotherapy 
post-surgically and in the treatment of joint and muscle injuries. It 
should be understood, however, that device 12 may also be used in heat 
therapy for treatment of chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, 
bursitis, and osteoarthritis. 
Also disclosed herein is a system for applying cryotherapy comprising 
device 12 and two or more sets of gel packs 60, 70, and 80 as shown in 
FIG. 11 Each set of gel packs 60, 70, and 80 includes two standard size 
gel packs each manufactured to fit closely into pocket 30. Each set of gel 
packs 60, 70, and 80 contains a coolant substance, 61, 71, and 81, 
respectively, which has different freezing and cooling properties. Each 
gel pack 60, 70, and 80, is prepared by placing coolant substance 61, 71, 
and 81 into a transparent bag 85 made of polyethylene - nylon blend. Each 
bag 85 is filled approximately 85% and sealed in an air tight fashion. 
For devices 12 used on adults, each bag 85 measures approximately 5 1/4 
inch (W).times.5 3/4 inch (H) which enables it to fit securely into pocket 
30. For device used on small adults and children, bags 85 are manufactured 
proportionally smaller to fit closely into the smaller pockets 30. 
The coolant substances 61, 71, and 81 are semi-flexible gel-like substance 
which ,when frozen, can be easily molded around the joint. Coolant 
substances 61, 71, and 81 comprise by volume: 0.5% to 2% polymer gel; 3% 
to 10% glycerin, and 88% to 96.5% water. The polymer gel is proprietary 
and is known to be an adsorbent copolymer made of acrylamide acrylate 
material available from the May River Corporation located in Jacksonville, 
Fla. It is available in both a granular and a powder form and is referred 
to as "MRC 770". When water is added, it is sold by Mary River Corporation 
under the trademark "ICE BURG COLD PAK". In the preferred embodiment, the 
granular formulation is used with the granules measuring between 1/32 to 
3/16 inch in diameter. 
The ingredients of each coolant substance 61, 71, and 81 is adjusted within 
the above stated ranges so each set of two gel packs freezes at a 
different temperature below 32 degrees F. The first set of gel packs 60 
contains a coolant substance 61 comprising by volume 1% polymer gel, 3% 
glycerin, and 96% water and freezes at approximately 30 degrees F. The 
second set of gel packs 70 contains a coolant substance 71 comprising by 
volume 1% polymer gel, 7% glycerin, and 92% water and freezes at 
approximately 25 degrees F. An optional third set of gel packs 80 contains 
a coolant substance 81 comprising by volume 1% polymer gel, 10% glycerin, 
and 89% water, and freezes at approximately 18 degrees F. 
When frozen, the surface temperature of gel pack 60 is approximately 30 
degrees F. which can be maintained for approximately seven and one-half 
hours at room temperature. When used and applied to a knee, the skin 
surface of the knee is lowered between 40 to 45 degrees F. in 
approximately 30 minutes and can be maintained at this temperature for 
approximately ten hours. 
The surface temperature of each gel pack 70 containing coolant substance 71 
when frozen is approximately 25 degrees F. which can be maintained at room 
temperature for approximately three hours. When used with the device 12 
and placed around a knee, gel packs 70 will lower the temperature of the 
skin surface to approximately 32 degrees F. up to approximately three 
hours. The surface temperature of each gel pack 80 is approximately 18 
degrees F. which can be maintained at room temperature for approximately 
two hours. When used in device 12 and applied to a knee joint, the skin 
surface of the joint is lowered to approximately 20 degree F. which may be 
maintained for approximately four hours. Since damage due to frostbite is 
likely to occur when using gel packs 80, application is usually only for 
15 to 30 minutes. 
Prior to use, the sets of the gel packs 60, 70, and 80 are stored together 
at a temperature below the freezing temperature of the lowest freezing gel 
pack. It is known that the lowest possible temperature of a gel pack is 
limited by the freezing temperature of the coolant substance contained 
therein. This known property allows one to conveniently store all of the 
sets 60, 70, and 80 in one conveniently location at a very low temperature 
until needed. Since each gel pack is made of transparent material, a dye 
substance may be added to each coolant substance 61, 71, and 81, to 
indicate its freezing and cooling properties. 
Using the above disclosed system, a method of initially applying 
cryotherapy that is less painful and a method of applying extended 
cryotherapy treatment are disclosed herein. 
The method of initially applying cryotherapy to a joint is less painful 
comprising the following steps: (1) selecting and attaching a properly 
fitting a device which can hold two attached gel packs on substantially 
opposite sides of the joint; (2) selecting a frozen first set of gel packs 
containing a coolant substance having a freezing temperature of 
approximately 30 degrees F.; (3) placing one gel pack from the first set 
of gel packs into each pocket for approximately twenty to sixty minutes; 
(4) removing the gel packs from the first set of gel packs from each 
pocket; (5) selecting a frozen second set of gel packs containing a 
coolant material which freezes at approximately 25 degrees F. (6) placing 
one gel pack from the second set of gel into each pocket for approximately 
twenty to sixty minutes (7) keeping each gel pack from the second set in 
each pocket until cryotherapy treatment is completed, and: (8) removing 
the device from the joint. 
Using the above described gel packs, a method for applying extended 
cryotherapy to a joint is also disclosed comprising the following steps: 
(1) selecting and attaching a properly fitting device which can hold two 
attached gel packs on substantially opposite sides of a joint; (2) 
selecting a frozen set of first set of gel packs containing a coolant 
substance having a freezing temperature of approximately 30 degrees F., 
(3) placing one gel pack from the first set of gel packs into each pocket 
on the device so that each gel pack is disposed on substantially opposite 
sides of the joint; (4) keeping the device attached to the joint 
continuously until the temperature of the skin located immediately around 
the joint is between 40 and 45 degrees F.; (5) exchanging the first set of 
gel packs with a frozen second set gel packs containing a coolant 
substance that freezes at approximately 25 degrees F; (6) keeping the 
device attached to the joint continuously until temperature of the skin 
located immediately around the joint is between 30 to 40 degrees F.; (7) 
remove the second set of gel packs from each pocket; (8) repeating steps 3 
through 7 for 3 to 24 hours or until swelling or pain is reduced, and; (9) 
removing the device from the joint. 
For special conditions and applications, a frozen third set of gel packs 
having a coolant substance that freezes at approximately 18 degrees F. may 
be used between steps (7) and (8) for further cooling. The third set of 
gel packs is usually used for short periods only or until the skin located 
immediately around the joint is between 25 and 30 degrees. 
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
This invention will find use in the practice of medicine generally and, 
more particularly, in the fields of orthopedics and sports medicine. It 
may also find application in the dental industry and possibly, 
veterinarian medicine. The present invention discloses a device and system 
for optimally applying cryotherapy, method for applying extended 
cryotherapy treatment, and a method of initially applying cryotherapy 
which elicits little or no pain. 
In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in 
language more or less specific as to structural features. It should be 
understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific 
features shown, since the means and construction shown comprised preferred 
forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, there fore, 
claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the legitimate and 
valid scope of the amended claims, appropriately interpreted in accordance 
with the doctrine of equivalents.