Home made ice packs for boo-boos

[Ellen J.]

Hi all,
During the summer I got a rotator cuff injury (not from riding) which came from a dumb movement I made while working. It got progressively worse all summer and was aggravated by riding because of the extended-arm position. But of course, I couldn't stop riding, could I?? Anyway, I am treating the pain with ice packs, which are more expensive than they should be when you buy them at drug stores. I looked online and found some ways to make your own "gel packs", which conform to the body because they are flexible, even at freezing temperatures. Here is what I found in case any of you want to try it. Beware that zip baggies can spring leaks, so don't wear expensive clothing while applying the packs, just in case. This is why people often double-bag the packs, to help catch leaks.
Recipe #1: 1 part rubbing alcohol mixed with 2 part water. Add blue food coloring so that nobody accidently uses it in a drink.
Recipe #2: Liquid dish detergent. If clear (no color), add blue coloring to mark it as non-edible.
Recipe #3: Bag of frozen peas. I have not had them stay cold for long enough, but the good thing is, the bag wouldn't leak.
Both recipes #1 and #2 apparently do not freeze in the freezer and remain flexible even after being in the freezer. It's a good idea to mark the contents on the outside of the bag by writing on a piece of masking tape.
Just thought I would pass this info along. I'm sure there are many variations on these recipes.
Ellen J.

[amethaelf]

Thanks Ellen. I can vouch for the bag of frozen peas. To keep it colder for longer, I have wrapped the bag in a wet washer (kept in the freezer til quite cold). This seems to last as long as a general ice pack brought from a Chemist, and is a readily handy alternative. I will try the others when needed (I suffer a lot from muscular problems).

[Ellen J.]

Hi Amethaelf,
Good idea about the wet washcloth.
Also, re; the dish detergent, I heard it has to be regular Palmolive detergent, but am not sure why.
Sorry you suffer so much from muscle problems--that must make it hard to ride at times, esp. long distances.
Ellen J.

[amethaelf]

Ellen J - I forgot to mention you keep the frozen bag of peas wrapped in the cloth, inside a sealable plastic bag - that way it stays relatively dry on your skin. About my muscular problems, yes, I'm a regular attendee at a remedial massage clinic, sometimes I cant even stand up without sinking to the ground with back pain, but I find that there is no pain when I ride (only after!)

[CieBme]

I use one of Hubby's long (tube) socks filled with dry (uncooked) rice ... tied at the end. Throw it in the freezer ... it stays flexible, doesn't leak or drip, the sock material isn't irritating to the skin... when it's time to throw on the heat (normally ice 24-48 hrs, heat after that), I throw the rice sock in the microwave for 20 sec to 1 min (depending on size of sock)... the heat isn't completely dry heat ... it's a nice, soothing heat. It is form fitting over knees (my issues), ankles (kids'), shoulders/necks (me & Hubby) ... and even when we've had to nurse sick critters, it gives them a nice warmth w/o electricity. We store in freezer above where any food or ice is, to keep from becoming contaminated w/ leaks. Tremendous to throw a frozen rice sock into a cooler if you have a big ride or physically demanding job to do - especially in the heat or if you will be a long time getting home and into a hot (or cold) shower. Very refreshing.

Can reuse again and again and again. I don't leave it in the plastic bag if I'm gonna use it in the microwave, though. Use the same one for both (except for critters - they get their own, then we cook the rice and feed it to the chickens when we're done!).

[Ellen J.]

CieBme,
The rice idea sounds really nice, and very natural. I wonder how long the cold (or the heat) lasts when using the rice? I'll have to give it a try.
I nurse sick critters alot but have not tried the rice for them either--usually use a heating pad with towels wrapped around the pad, but the rice idea sounds great. Actually, I got my rotator cuff injury specifically from feeding orphaned baby birds, twisting my arm in odd directions to reach them inside their cage. All the birds have been released back into the wild by now, but am left with a very sore arm. Oh well, at least 75 different birds got a second chance at life, so there was a benefit.
Ellen J.

[CieBme]

Hi EJ,

I just knead it around if the outside surface starts to cool... I needed an instant long-distance heating pad w/o electricity or plug in when someone near my dad's place knocked a squirrel nest out of a tree. The momma squirrel bugged out (of course), and there were no rescuers that would take the three little nekkid, blind baby tree rats in. We brain stormed a bit, and I came up with the rice sock. Been a first aid staple here for about 12 years now.

I'm guessing for heat they last almost 2 hours... but the babies were laying on the sock and were covered with towels. Let me know how it works for you.

[Ellen J.]

Hi CieBme,
Sorry it took me so long to reply. I'm finally getting back to the message board after being away for awhile.
Great job on warming up the baby squirrels! Usually the mother does come back, as long as the babies are placed at the base of the same tree they fell out of. You are right--it is important to keep them warm while they are waiting for mom to come back. I've hand-raised lots of the little critters (with state permit), as they sure do become orphaned for many reasons.
My rotator cuff injury is slowly starting to heal, and I hope it's healed enough by April 2010 to begin riding again. I miss being on the bike, and had to stop riding in august because my arm burned so much while riding.
Well, a long winter is ahead of us for the northern people. I sure do envy those of you living in the south. Maybe I'll move south someday!
Ellen J.

[CieBme]

Sorry about your shoulder ... hopefully you'll "winter well" and be ready to roll as soon as the thaw!
Hasn't felt much like "the south" here so far this fall ... we're in the mid to upper 20s at night, barely upper 40s/low 50s in the day ... rain, rain, rain and even a spitting of snow already. Not at all complaining ... God gives us just what He knows we can handle... making coats for the goats this year ... they wore the kids' old coats last winter. Love those critters ... wild or domestic...

[5thwheel]

Ok CieBie, I think I'm missing something here - coats for goats???? Are you pulling my leg or do you have fashion conscious goats?

[SFW]

No shame in that. I use a beer bottle for under my foot (arch). Works well.

[CieBme]

Ok CieBie, I think I'm missing something here - coats for goats???? Are you pulling my leg or do you have fashion conscious goats?

Not teasing, I promise...

[5thwheel]

Oh my gosh are they ever cute! I was sure you were teasing but now I believe you .

[CieBme]

The new ones are just vinyl covers, green and yellow, but I think I really like re-purposing old coats better. Much warmer ... WAY cuter!

The top two are:
Daisy, British Alpine nanny, is stylish in a purple thinsulate wrap with green fodder-twine belt.
SweatPea, African Pygmy rescue nanny, is wearing a stylish fuschia water repellant jacket with zip front (belly) and fuzzy blue lining.

The bottom picture is:
HollyHock, polled Boer nanny, in a navy hooded lined spring jacket, zip front and patch pockets. She tolerates the hood, as long as it is for looks only!

We dress for size rather than color and styling, true animals when it comes to fashion!