Biofreeze shown to be more effective than ice for neck pain

NEWS RELEASE September 16, 2009 — Cryotherapy has long been used by physical therapists and chiropractors in the management of acute pain. Multiple studies have demonstrated that both ice and topically-applied menthol decrease blood flow and help to control pain; however, there has been limited research to determine which form of cryotherapy works better on individual patients.

Bart Bishop, DPT of Sport and Spine Rehab in Rockville, Md., recently conducted a research study to determine which form of cryotherapy was more effective. In patients with bilateral neck pain, he applied menthol-based Biofreeze Pain
 
Reliever to one side and an ice pack to the other side. “We have used both ice and Biofreeze in our neck patients, but never had any evidence to support using one versus the other,” stated Bishop.

The study showed both modalities reduced pain significantly, but patients preferred the Biofreeze application 8 to 1 compared to ice. The Biofreeze treatment lasted longer in 9 out of 10 patients with twice as much pain reduction compared to ice. 

Source: The Hygenic Corporation, www.thera-band.com