Have You Discovered the Benefits of Cryotherapy?
What is Cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy is the application of cold treatment to alleviate acute and sub-acute pain, as well as improve conditions resulting from the injury. Ice packs, ice massage, and full body “cryotherapy chambers” are all commonly used in this type of therapy. The physiological effects of cryotherapy induce certain sensations that allow for the decrease of inflammation, decrease of pain, reduced muscle spasms, reduced tissue damage, and the reduction of Edema. There are four stages to Activa’s Cryotherapy. First, the patient experiences an uncomfortable sensation of cold in the targeted contact area. This sensation is followed by a stinging or prickling, then a burning or aching feeling, and finally the targeted area becomes numb. Typically it takes about 15 minutes for the undergoing process and completion of all four stages. Cold can be extremely effective in any common inflammatory conditions as well as an alleviate in cases of bursitis, tenosynovitis, and tendonitis.
How Can Cryotherapy Help?
Cryotherapy works by decreasing blood flow in an affected area to reduce the risk of edema. This process also halts inflammation and potential bruising. The cycle of applying cold to the targeted area, then removing it, then applying it again causes blood to be brought in and out of the targeted area, working almost like a pump. Increased blood flow promotes healing by bringing oxygen and removing debris and toxins in the tissues.
There are several different ways to go about cryotherapy. The simplest, and most common uses a cloth or plastic sheathed ice pack to apply the cold directly on the target area with a thin cloth in between to protect the skin. Another method is called the ice massage. Ice massages are undertaken by the physical therapist taking a solid piece of wrapped ice and rubbing the target area in circular motions.
This, in turn, promotes pain relief, in addition to enriched oxygen and nutrients within the blood. By participating in cryotherapy treatments, you will be able to discover the many benefits that it can have for your body, including, but not limited to:
- Fast and effective pain relief
- Injury recovery
- Injury prevention
- Reduced inflammation
- Boost of energy
- Improved health overall
Contact Activa Physical Therapy today to learn more!
Get started in Naperville today
Are you interested in learning more about how cryotherapy can benefit you? If so, contact Activa Physical Therapy today to request an appointment with one of our Naperville and Burr Ridge, IL physical therapists. They’ll help you find long-lasting relief in no time!
