Deep Freeze — Frequently Asked Questions
How does Deep Freeze work?
Deep Freeze products work rapidly like ice. The cooling effect helps calm and soothe the affected area, which is why cold therapy is the usual first response to a fresh sprain, strain or knock. Unlike an ice pack, it goes on exactly where you need it, stays put, and does not need a freezer — so it works just as well in a kit bag or a desk drawer as it does at home.
Which Deep Freeze product should I choose?
It comes down to how you want to apply it and how long you need it to last:
- Pain Relief Cold Gel 100g — the mainstay of the range. A fast-acting gel for muscular sprains and strains, giving cooling relief to back, neck, shoulders, legs and feet. Also available in a 35g size for a bag or first aid kit.
- Pain Relief Gel Roll On 50g — the same cooling relief with a glide-on applicator, so it goes on cleanly without getting gel on your hands.
- Muscle Rescue Cold Spray 72.5ml — no rubbing and no contact needed, which makes it the easiest option pitch-side, or for an area that is too tender to touch.
- Cold Patch — cools the area for up to 3 hours, hands-free and under your clothing. Drug-free, and the pack states it is suitable to use in pregnancy. Available as a single patch or a 4 pack.
Should I use Deep Freeze or Deep Heat?
The usual guidance is cold first, heat later.
- Reach for Deep Freeze in the first 48 hours after a fresh knock, sprain or strain — while the area still feels hot, tender or swollen. Cold therapy is also the one to use straight after sport.
- Reach for Deep Heat once that initial phase has settled and what is left is stiffness, tension and a dull ache — or for the everyday tight back, neck and shoulders that were never an injury in the first place.
Never use a cold product and a heat product on the same area at the same time. If the pain is severe, if you cannot put weight on the area, or if it is not improving after a few days, speak to your pharmacist or GP.
How long does the Cold Patch last?
The Deep Freeze Cold Patch cools the affected area for up to 3 hours. It is worn discreetly under clothing on the back, neck, shoulders, legs or feet, so you can keep moving while it works rather than sitting still with an ice pack. Always follow the wear-time instructions on the pack.
When should I use cold therapy?
Cold therapy suits the early stage of a soft-tissue injury — a twisted ankle, a pulled muscle, a bang on the knee — and the hours immediately after hard exercise. It is also often used for everyday muscle and joint aches. If you are unsure whether an injury needs more than self-care, our pharmacy team will point you in the right direction.
Can I use Deep Freeze alongside painkillers I take by mouth?
Deep Freeze Pain Relief Cold Gel can be used alongside medicines taken by mouth. As with any combination, check with your pharmacist first — especially if you take regular medication — and always read the label and enclosed leaflet.
Is Deep Freeze safe to use in pregnancy?
The Deep Freeze Cold Patch is drug-free and its pack states that it is suitable to use in pregnancy. For the gels, roll-on and spray, check with your pharmacist or doctor before use. Our pharmacists are happy to check the specific product for you.
Is there anything I should avoid while using Deep Freeze?
A few standard precautions apply to cooling products:
- Only apply to clean, unbroken skin — never to cuts, grazes, rashes or irritated skin.
- Keep away from the eyes, mouth and other sensitive areas, and wash your hands after applying a gel or roll-on.
- Do not use with a heat product, hot water bottle or heat pad on the same area.
- Do not cover a gel, roll-on or spray with a tight bandage or dressing unless a healthcare professional has told you to.
- With the spray, hold the can at the distance stated on the pack and avoid inhaling the vapour.
Always read the label and the enclosed leaflet before use.
Can children use Deep Freeze?
Age suitability differs across the range, so check the individual pack before use and ask our pharmacy team if you are unsure.
Do you deliver Deep Freeze across Ireland?
Yes. We ship the full Deep Freeze range nationwide from our pharmacies in Donegal. See our delivery page for current options and timeframes.
Inish Pharmacy Expert Tip
"For a fresh sprain, cold beats heat every time in the first couple of days — and a Cold Patch beats a bag of frozen peas, because you can keep moving while it works. Keep a 4 pack in the kit bag and a 35g gel in the car, and you are covered either way. Once the swelling has settled and it is just stiffness you are left with, that is the point to switch to Deep Heat."
