What is Cold Therapy?
Cold therapy or Cryotherapy is used in an effort to reduce or relieve muscle pain, sprains and swelling. For decades, it has been commonly used to accelerate recovery in athletes after exercise. Recent studies shows that cold therapy helps to manage muscle soreness and facilitate faster recovery.
How does it work?
Cold therapy works by reducing blood flow to a particular area, which can significantly reduce inflammation and swelling that causes pain, especially around a joint or a tendon. It can also temporarily reduce nerve activity, that also helps in pain relief.
How can you apply Cold Therapy?
There are different ways to apply cold therapy. Options include:
- Headache cap
- Ice packs
- Frozen gel packs
- Coolant sprays
- Ice massage
- Ice baths
When not to use Cold Therapy?
People with sensory disorders that prevent them from feeling certain sensations should not use cold therapy at home because they may not be able to feel if damage is being done to their body. This includes diabetes, which can result in nerve damage and lessened sensitivity.
You also should not use cold therapy on stiff muscles or joints. Do not use cold therapy if you have poor blood circulation.
