Cryotherapy

Abstract

Cryotherapy is optimal immediately following tissue damage and throughout healing to ease the effects of tissue injury. Cryotherapy results in vasoconstriction, decreased bleeding and edema, and alleviation of pain. Cryotherapy should be applied to the injured tissue as soon as possible for a beneficial reduction in metabolism. Ice is typically used, and current recommendations are to immediately apply it for 20 minutes after surgery if the patient's body temperature is not excessively low. Further treatments should be performed two to four times per day for 20 minutes per application for the first 3 to 4 days after surgery.The continuation of therapy further aids in reducing swelling, edema, and pain. Cryotherapy should be applied to injured tissue using a thin cloth barrier No recommended target tissue temperatures have been published; therefore, soft tissue should be evaluated after 5 to 10 minutes of contact with the ice pack to assess whether the tissues are tolerating the cold. Because longer or colder applications can cause injury, the patient's behavior and level of discomfort should also be assessed during Cryotherapy.