With the regular season behind us and post season championship season upon us, if your athlete is anything like mine has been for the past few weeks ice packs LOTS of them are in order. Chances are pretty good that at least once a day soon your athlete will come into the house after practice wailing in agony over a “great injury” (as they perceive it.)
Generally speaking, these “horrific” muscle strains are mostly benign , but still they require to be treated with ice and a little rest. So when I saw this idea to make your own homemade ice packs I knew it was worth writing down for you too! These won’t freeze completely so they mold to the affected area unlike the pointy, lumpy, and hard ice packs we would normally have around.
There are few methods I have read out there, here’s your line up of choices
My favorite and the cheapest
(1)
1 cup rubbing alcohol
2 cups water
Ziploc Freezer Bag (1 quart size)
*You can had food coloring and glitter to make it pretty 
- Pour liquids into freezer bag Dont quite full, remove air and seal bag. Place bag seal side down into another ziploc freezer bag, remove air and seal that bag. Place in freezer and use (and reuse) as needed (nice and slushy!).
(2)
Liquid Dish Detergent(your choice,many site recommend Dawn)
Ziploc Freezer Bag
- Squirt liquid dish detergent in a ziploc bag until the bag is about 3/4 full, seal and then freeze.
**Take away tips**
*Never use longer than 15 minutes/hour of use
*When taking packs from the freezer to use, wrap in a paper towel or thin cloth first before applying to body.
*If they freeze too hard and aren’t slushy, simply allow them to melt and then add more alcohol.
*Take a few to the meets just in case,so you will be ready even if the meet officials are not
Thanks to Livingonadime for the photo above
**Please remember to consult your physician on any injury especially if swelling or pain persist**
I like to use a bag of frozen peas. It contours well to the muscle and holds cold well.