Basics of Cryotherapy
Indications
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Decrease temperature
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Decrease acute inflammation
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Decrease metabolism
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Decrease pain
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Decrease muscle spasm
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Increase tissue stiffness
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Decrease circulation
Contraindications
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Cold urticaria (cold allergy)
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Raynaud’s disease
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Cryoglobulinemia
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Over regenerating peripheral nerves
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Area with circulatory compromise
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Peripheral Vascular Disease
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Cold intolerance
Precautions
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Over superficial nerve
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Over an open wound
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Hypertension
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Very young or old age patient
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Impaired sensation to the skin
Complications
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Tissue death
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Frostbite
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Nerve damage
Parameters:
Cold Packs
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Storage: Maintain in a freezer at 0 to -5° C, minimum of 30 minutes between uses
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Position: Moldable to the area to be treated
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Treatment Time: 10-30 min
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Treatment Frequency: Every 1-2 hours for pain and inflammation
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Technique: Damp towel for maximum energy transfer, elevate if possible
Ice Massage
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Application: Used for small areas
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Treatment time: 5-10 min with small overlapping circles or strokes; 10-15 minutes for muscles
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Often times followed by friction massage
Cold Whirlpool
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Water temperature: 55-65°F
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Treatment time: 10-20 min, can use up to 30 minutes
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Very useful for extremities
