Cold therapy helps alleviate pain and swelling caused by sprains, strains and the like by reducing blood flow to the affected area.

The University of Rochester Medical Center in New York offers these guidelines:

  • Use cold therapy within 24 to 48 hours of an injury -- such as bruises, bumps, sprains or strains.
  • Wrap an ice or gel pack in a thin towel before applying to the area.
  • Do not leave the cold pack on the area for longer than 20 minutes at a time, and take 10-minute breaks between applications.
From Long Beach to the North Fork, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday Deputy Lifestyle Editor Meghan Giannotta have ideas on how to hold onto the summer vibes after Labor Day. Credit: Newsday/Howard Schnapp; Morgan Campbell, Brian Jingeleski, Randee Daddona, Anthony Florio

Keeping the summer vibes alive after Labor Day From Long Beach to the North Fork, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday Deputy Lifestyle Editor Meghan Giannotta have ideas on how to hold onto the summer vibes after Labor Day.

From Long Beach to the North Fork, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday Deputy Lifestyle Editor Meghan Giannotta have ideas on how to hold onto the summer vibes after Labor Day. Credit: Newsday/Howard Schnapp; Morgan Campbell, Brian Jingeleski, Randee Daddona, Anthony Florio

Keeping the summer vibes alive after Labor Day From Long Beach to the North Fork, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday Deputy Lifestyle Editor Meghan Giannotta have ideas on how to hold onto the summer vibes after Labor Day.

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