Cryotherapy, which literally means “cold therapy,” is a technique in which the body is exposed to extremely cold temperatures for several minutes. The local cryotherapy can be done using ice packs, ice massages, cooling sprays, and ice baths. Cryotherapy can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions and some types of cancer, including prostate and liver cancer. This treatment can treat tissues both externally and internally.
Benefits of Cryotherapy
1. Reduces Joint pain
Studies show that cold therapy is effective in patients with joint pain and arthritic pain. Cryotherapy is a very effective treatment for muscle and joint pain. This makes it the perfect treatment for people with arthritis. It works by making your body think that it is frozen.
2. Anesthetizes nerve irritation
Many athletes have been using cryotherapy to treat injuries for years, and one of the reasons is that it can numb the pain. Cold can numb an irritated nerve. Caregivers will treat the affected area with a small probe that is inserted into nearby tissues. This can help treat a pinched nerve, neuromas, chronic pain, or even acute injuries
3. Mood disorders
The extremely cold temperatures in the whole body cryotherapy can elicit physiological hormonal responses. This includes the secretion of adrenaline, norepinephrine, and endorphins. This can have a positive effect on those with mood disorders such as anxiety and depression.
4. Reduces symptoms of migraine
Cryotherapy can help treat migraines by cooling and numbing the nerves in the neck area.
5. Treats dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with characteristic symptoms of dry, itchy skin. Because cryotherapy can improve antioxidant levels in the blood and can reduce inflammation at the same time.
How does cryotherapy work for pain management?
Cryotherapy is the number one ingredient in R.I.C.E. (rest, ice, compression, and elevation). This is a recommended home remedy for many injuries, especially those caused by sports.
Cold therapy can reduce the swelling associated with pain. It can also reduce sensitivity to pain. It can be particularly effective when it comes to pain with swelling, especially around a joint or tendon.
How to apply cold therapy?
Placing ice or frozen objects directly on your skin can relieve pain, but it can also damage your skin. It is better to wrap a cold body in a thin towel to protect your skin from the direct cold, especially if you are using freezer packs. Always check your skin frequently for sensation while using cold therapy. This will help you to ensure that you aren’t damaging the tissues.
Avoid cryotherapy if you have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, that affect the way tissue damage feels.
