Article by Justin Bowyer
Those who caught the last series of Dragons’ Den (why weren’t you out training?) may have seen Kay Russell’s successful pitch for Physicool, a reusable bandage that combines cooling, compression and support, and which boasted instant treatment for muscle inflammation/bruising and localised soothing of tendons and ligaments. Though initially slightly sceptical of a product evolved from the treatment of horses, it certainly seemed to have plenty to offer and I knew it would be deserving of a closer look. Available in various sizes suitable either for wrists, knees and ankles or elbows, thighs and shoulders each self-fastening bandage comes in a re-sealable foil pouch that contains a small quantity of the “magic” Physicool coolant liquid, which is gently wrung out (back into the pouch) before being applied.
More portable and certainly less hassle than ice packs (particularly the instant variety, with which I’ve never enjoyed great success) I found them indispensable for treating a recurring knee “niggle”; one of the benefits being that the product draws heat out from the knee, thigh, etc rather than driving cold in. On the recent Atlantic Coast Challenge triple marathon – where day on day recovery was essential – I also used them to great effect as recovery compression. In this instance they may not entirely have replaced the benefits that could have been applied from post-run compression tights, but to my mind they worked wonders and certainly contributed to the fact that I felt as fit and ready on days two and three as I did on day one.
Once re-wound and back in the pouch they seem to be good for another two or three uses before they need recharging with more coolant (available in 500ml spray bottles). It’s certainly possible to use the coolant direct without the bandage – for sunburn or generally to cool the skin after hot runs – but with this in mind smaller, say 150ml, bottles would be useful. The more tricks you can have up your sleeve (or more appropriately trouser leg) to combat injury or speed recovery the better and I’m delighted to have added Physicool to my “bag of bits”. Highly recommended.
Available from www.physicool.co.uk, Boots and an increasing number of retailers.
… if you have Physicool in your kit-bag, we’d love to hear what you think of it.
