Cryotherapy
Q: What is Cryotherapy?
A: Cryotherapy is a term that describes the application of ice,
cold packs, & ice massage to reduce the temperature of tissues
directly on or below the surface of the skin.
Q: How does Cryotherapy work?
A: Surface cooling constricts blood vessels, numbs painful areas,
and help relax muscle spasms. Cold temperatures reduce nerve transmission
of painful symptoms and provide temporary relief.
Q: What does Cryotherapy feel like?
A: Ice is most often used to manage acute injuries or recent eruptions
of chronic conditions. Cooling affected tissues is effective in reducing
and preventing posttraumatic swelling. Local cooling should be applied
several times a day during the initial stages of an injury. Each
treatment time should NEVER exceed 20 minutes and ice or cold packs
should never be applied directly to the skin.
Q: Why is Cryotherapy used in our office?
A: Cryotherapy is an effective way to reduce local
swelling of inflamed tissues. Unlike oral or injected anti-inflammatory
drugs
that have the potential for harmful side effects, Cryotherapy is
extremely safe and can be utilized in home care applications.
Patient Benefits:
- Helps reduce swelling and inflammation
- Numbs affected area to reduce pain
- Reduces muscle spasms
- Can be self-applied, thereby enabling the patient to assist
in their recovery at home
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