What is cold therapy?
Cold therapy (also known as cryotherapy) is a method of relieving inflammation and swelling pain immediately after an injury. Cryotherapy can either be used for specific areas or all of the body.
Cold therapy (also known as cryotherapy) is a method of relieving inflammation and swelling pain immediately after an injury. Cryotherapy can either be used for specific areas or all of the body.
Cold therapy can be achieved by using any of the following:
Ice pack
Frozen gel packs
Coolant sprays
Ice massage
Ice baths
Cryotherapy
Cold therapy decreases the amount of blood going to the area that you apply it on. This allows swelling and inflammation to reduce thus lessening the pain.
Always use a towel to wrap your cold pack before applying it on the area. Direct contact can cause damage to the skin and tissues. Cold treatment should be used immediately after an injury (within the first three days). Consult your physiotherapist or chiropractor on how to safely use a cold pack. Also, ensure that you follow the instructions found with the product.
Cold therapy should NOT be used longer than 20 minutes at a time. Instead, short 10-15 minute sessions should be used throughout the day. Make sure to consult your physiotherapist or chiropractor before using cold therapy.
Swelling
Redness
Inflammation
When there is muscle or joint stiffness (use heat therapy)
People with poor circulation (such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease)
People with sensory problems that prevent them from feeling when the area is getting too cold.