Application of Cold Therapy - Cryotherapy

Cold drinks and baths, natural ice and snow were used as the first forms of cold therapy.  While ice is still commonly used today, the cold packs for pain relief are instant chemical and freezable gel packs.

Cold therapy is used for pain relief in sports injuries, bruises, chronic joint and soft tissue inflammation.  It minimizes edema and bleeding.  The therapeutic temperature range for cold therapy is from 32º F to 65º F.

For immediate first aid management of an injury, the popular and traditional method of rehabilitation is R.I.C.E. - rest, ice, compression, and elevation. 

How it Works:

Cold reduces the flow of blood to the treatment area and acts as an analgesia as it reduces nerve-conduction velocity.  Reduced local tissue metabolism and decreased blood supply offers relief from muscle spasm and pain.
There are four natural stages of sensations with cryotherapy:

1. uncomfortable sensation of cold
2. stinging,
3. burning or aching,
4. numbness

When to Use Cryotherapy:

The application of therapeutic cold should be used when motion is limited by pain.  Cryotherapy is effective in acute stages of inflammation, before range of motion exercises, and after physical activity/rehabilitation.