INTRODUCTION TO CRYOTHERAPY





Heat versus Cold





Cryotherapy is characterized by the removal of heat from tissues. In a real sense there is no such thing as cold, only the absence or removal of heat.



Common Indications for Cryotherapy


Acute inflammation


Acute Edema


Spasticity


Pain


Arthritic conditions


Bursitis


Acute strains/sprains


Muscle spasm


Myofascial trigger points





Cryotherapy may be delivered to the tissues in many different ways.


Careful selection of the method of delivery is critical.


Method selection is based upon the overall the specific therapeutic goal, the part of the body being treated, convenience, and managed time.


For instance, the use of vapocoolant spray, which cools via evaporation is best used when targeting small very specific areas like trigger points and muscle spasm.


Commercial cold pack allow for the treatment of larger areas and can conform to body parts/joints. Best used wrapped in a towel moistened with water to facilitate heat transfer.


Slushy ice packs provide for quicker cooling in smaller areas.


Ice massage allows for cooling of small prescribed areas and analgesia to anesthesia. Ice massage may be intolerable to some patients Sensation progression includes: intense cold, then burning, followed by aching and then anesthesia. Skin temperature drops to about 59 degrees with ice massage


Insulated motorized sleeves allow for the addition of compression and a maintenance of cooling temperatures.


Cool/Cold baths allow for cooling around a joint via conduction and convection.









RICE

Cryotherapy is a major component in the management of acute inflammation.




In addition to maintaining heightened awareness of the documented contraindications of cryotherapy, physical therapist assistants must monitor patient reaction to minimize over dosage.


Signs of overdosage may include:


Unusual sensations, such as protracted numbness or tingling.


Skin damage, including frostbite due to prolonged icing (treatments should be limited to no more than 30 minutes.


Skin should be inspected several times during treatment.



PERFECTION IS ACHIEVED NOT WHEN THERE IS NOTHING MORE TO ADD, BUT WHEN THERE IS NOTHING LEFT TO TAKE AWAY.



This is a good time to pause and assess your knowledge of key concepts. Below are links to a few learning activities that might assist your mastery of the material.


Completing some of the tasks may also earn you class participation credit!

However, most importantly it will assist in your learning.


You should attempt to complete the assignments without using your text, notes, etc., as they are designed to test your knowledge—just like taking a test in class—but without the grade consequences.


Tasks include mock exams, games, clinical scenarios, and more. Click/tap on the activities and see how much you know!



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