What is cryotherapy?

The application of cold to a body region is known as cryotherapy, which is a technique commonly used for its strong anti-inflammatory effects, and is commonly used by physical therapists.

Cryotherapy causes vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels, decrease in vessel diameter) which immediately leads to reflex vasodilation (increase in blood vessel diameter). This process activates the blood circulation, in particular the microcirculation, which allows the cells to be properly nourished and drained, in order to nourish the organs.

It has also been shown to release endorphins which reduce stress and bring a feeling of well-being and relieve muscular and joint pain.

Cryotherapy in the form of cold baths has existed since ancient times, but it is only since the 70’s that the application of ice packs, or cold spray became a therapy and today there are multiple studies that indicate its advantages and disadvantages.

There are many modalities, but all are based on a decrease in tissue temperature, nerve conduction with a widespread use as a means of treatment of post-traumatic inflation and parallel pain.

Cryotherapy is a technique used in the sports field, because it helps athletes to reduce inflammation and relieve pain, as well as being accessible due to its low cost and easy availability. The applications are diverse; ice packs, sprays, cryotherapy immersion, the latter being very popular.

What are the possible risks of cryotherapy?

Cryotherapy can cause burns if the contact is very prolonged, especially if ice is used in the form of local application on a specific lesion.

The contact with ice during a prolonged immersion time can produce hypothermia, due to the sudden and continuous drop in body temperature, so they should always be supervised by a health professional and are not recommended in patients with cardiac disorders.

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Cryotherapy applied directly on a lesion can inhibit muscle function, in some cases by a reflex phenomenon, increasing the instability of that region, especially when we try to start a movement again.

Precautions in cryotherapy treatment

The application of cryotherapy is simple, but it is advisable to take into account a series of precautions to avoid complications.

The main precautions are:

  • Do not apply on open wounds or burns
  • Do not apply in areas where the nerve is very superficial.
  • Do not exceed 15 minutes of local application.

Are there any contraindications?

Yes, we can identify the following:

  • Peripheral vascular diseases
  • Arteriosclerosis
  • Hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity to cold.
  • Dermatological lesions
  • Severe cardiovascular diseases

What are the applications of cryotherapy?

Cryotherapy is used in acute traumatic injuries or in pathologies with an inflammatory and painful process (sprains, tendinitis in acute phase, traumatisms…), due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, and its capacity to reduce metabolic processes and the formation of edemas.

The most recommended are bags of cold gels or “cold-packs”, or in the case that we do not have, and its application will normally be 15 minutes, 3 times a day.

Cold water baths (immersion) are beneficial for recovery after intense physical exercise as they promote venous return and muscle recovery.