Cryotherapy (also known as “cold therapy”) is used to cause vasoconstriction (the blood vessels constrict or decrease their diameter) to reduce the amount of fluid that leaks out of the capillaries into the tissue spaces (swelling) in response to injury of tissue. Ice or cold is used most frequently in acute injuries, but also an effective pain reliever for even the most chronic pain. Cold therapy may be administered by using a cold pack or an ice massage.
How does cryotherapy relieve pain?
According to Spine Universe, pain relief results from decreased nerve conduction velocities along pain fibers. This is because the irritated nerve is deadened from the cold temperature. The cold temperature also causes the muscle spindle activity responsible for mediating local muscle tone to slow down, which also aids in pain relief.
What are some of the benefits of cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy has several health benefits including:
- Anti-inflammatory, anti-analgesic, and antioxidant effects that reduce pain and inflammation
- Beneficial to people with autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis and Celiac Disease
- Increased localized blood flow to promote healing
- Improved recovery from exercise injuries due to athletic conditioning, impact or trauma
Cryotherapy May Be Right For You!
Cryotherapy is a safe and effective treatment method that has been around for decades. It has proven benefits for anyone from a trained athlete seeking speedier recovery from athletic conditioning to someone who has chronic pain due to nerve damage, musculoskeletal disorders or autoimmune diseases. Call us today for more information or to schedule an appointment.
Resource:
- Physical Therapy: TENS, Ultrasound, Heat and Cryotherapy, Gerard Malanga, MD, SpineUniverse
