Most common means of cold therapy

1
Cryotherapy Principles

• Most common means of cold therapy
• Ice packs
• Ice immersion
• Wet ice is a more effective coolant due to the
  energy required to melt ice
• Cold whirlpool
• Ice towel
• Ice massage

2

• Physiological Principles
• Vasoconstriction
• Decreases extent of secondary tissue death
• Decreases cell metabolic rate
• Decreases the need for oxygen
• Results in less tissue damage
• Decreased swelling from inflammatory response
• Decreases muscle spasm
• Decreases pain
• Cold is more penetrating than heat
• Decreases muscle fatigue

3

• Special Considerations
• Avoid overcooling
• Some individuals are allergic to cold and react
  with
• Hives
• Joint pain
• Special medical conditions ice is contraindicated
• Application of ice (very rare) can cause nerve
  damage
• Be cautious with return to activity following
  icing
• Stop cryotherapy for any of the above
  complications or side effects
• Icing through a towel or bandage
• Limits the reduction in temperature
• Could limit effectiveness of treatment

4

• Cold Response
• Burning
• Aching
• Numbness
• Analgesia (pain is relieved)
• Athlete can engage in rehab activities
• Special considerations
• Keep in mind comfort of the athlete during
  treatment

5
Cryotherapy Techniques

• Ice Massage
• Cold or Ice Water Immersion
• Temperature 50º to 60º
• Ice Packs (Bags)
• Chemical Cold packs
• Vasocoolant Sprays

6
Transmission of Thermal Energy

• Temperatures of
• 116.6o F will cause tissue damage and
  temperatures
• 113o F should not be on the skin longer than 30
  min.

7
Thermotherapy

• Physiological Effects of Superficial Heat
• Dependent on type of heat energy applied
• Intensity of heat energy
• Duration of exposure
• Desired effects
• Increase soft tissue flexibility
• Decreasing joint stiffness
• Reducing pain
• Relieving muscle spasm
• Reduction of edema and swelling
• Increasing blood flow
• Pain relief
• Gate control mechanism
• Secretion of endorphins to block pain

8

• Special considerations
• Never apply heat
• When there is loss of sensation
• Immediately after injury
• When there is decreased arterial circulation
• Directly to eyes or the genitals
• To the abdomen during pregnancy
• When there are signs of acute inflammation
• Dry Heat
• Moist Heat Therapies
• Moist Heat Packs
• Whirlpool
• Ultrasound

9

• Contrast (Alternating Cold and Heat)
• Equipment
• Hot and cold tubs/whirlpools
• Hot and cold packs
• Indications
• Transition from cold to heat
• Minimal temperature changes occur superficially
• Application
• Treatment ratio used
• Move from primarily cold to heat
• Water temperature should be kept constant
• Athlete should be comfortable