Cold Stones Flashcards
(21 cards)
What traditions recognized hot stone therapy more than cold stone therapy historically?
Ancient Chinese, Ayurvedic, and Native American traditions recognized hot stone therapy more widely.
What is the purpose of cold stone therapy in relation to hot stone therapy?
Cold stones serve a complementary role by balancing heat and calming inflammation.
What materials are typically used for cold stones and why?
Marble, basalt, or other non-porous stones are used because they retain cold well.
How are cold stones prepared and applied?
They are chilled (never frozen) and applied directly to the skin or over a towel, statically or with circular/gliding strokes.
In what ways can cold stones be used in hydrotherapy?
• On their own
• In contrast therapy (alternating with hot stones)
• Especially effective in facial massage
What are the primary indications for cold stone therapy?
• Acute injuries (sprains, strains, swelling)
• Headaches and migraines
• Muscle spasms or trigger points
• Edema or puffiness
• Sinus congestion
• Hot flashes or overheating
• Inflammation and redness (esp. in facial treatments)
What contraindications and cautions apply to cold stone therapy?
• General contraindications for cold applications
• Avoid cystic acne areas
• Do not move stones over psoriasis plaques
• Always test skin sensation and monitor for blanching, redness, or discomfort
What are the local effects of cold stone therapy?
• Vasoconstriction
• Decreased local tissue temperature
• Reduced inflammation and swelling
• Temporary pain relief through numbing
• Reduced muscle spasm and tension
• Slowed nerve conduction
What are the systemic effects of cold stone therapy?
• Reflexive vasodilation after removal
• Decreased muscle tone and metabolic activity
• Nervous system calming (with gentle application)
• May trigger systemic alertness or refreshing sensation
What are the benefits of cold stones in facial massage or Gua Sha?
• Reduce facial tension, sinus pressure, headaches, and TMJ discomfort
• Calm inflammation
• Support lymphatic drainage
• Especially beneficial for sensitive, acne-prone, or rosacea-prone skin (when applied gently)
How can cold stones be integrated with other treatments in facial massage?
After heated treatments or in contrast with warm (not hot) tools such as:
• Warm stones
• Heated facial oils
• Steamed towels
What safety tips should be followed when using cold stones?
• Always test stone temperature in your hand and forearm
• Never leave stones stationary on skin for more than 2–3 minutes
• Monitor for CBAN response: Cold → Burning → Aching → Numb
• Stop before numbness unless numbness is the goal
What is the purpose of using ice in counterirritation techniques?
To distract the nervous system and help restore ROM by reducing the stretch reflex and allowing more comfortable stretching.
What is the gate theory of pain and how does it relate to cold therapy?
Introduced by Melzak and Wall in 1973 and modified by Castel in 1979, it suggests sudden cold/touch sensations can block pain signals, interrupting the pain-spasm cycle.
How does ice stroking mimic the original “spray and stretch” method?
It provides a quick, superficial cold stimulus that temporarily desensitizes tissue, allowing for stretch without triggering reflex spasm (originally done with vapocoolant sprays like fluorimethane).
What is used now in place of fluorimethane in cold spray techniques?
Cold sprays that are free from harmful chemicals are now available for the same effect.
What are the indications for using the counterirritation ice technique?
• Trigger points (especially stubborn or acute)
• Decreased range of motion (ROM)
What are the contraindications for this technique?
• Cold allergies
• Open wounds
• Post-surgical conditions
• Any contraindications to cold or passive stretch
What steps are involved in the cold-and-stretch technique?
- Ensure patient is warm
- Position patient comfortably with exposed skin
- Perform initial ROM testing
- Place muscle in shortest range
- Slowly lengthen to first barrier
- Apply cold (ice or spray) in one direction along muscle and referred pain zone
- Use 3–6 passes at ~10cm/sec
- Apply slow passive stretch during application
- Detect muscle release, reposition to take up slack
- Finish with deep moist heat and reassess
What should be used to apply ice during counterirritation?
A wrapped ice cube or “icicle” (ice on a tongue depressor), often wrapped in Saran wrap to prevent dripping and keep skin dry.
Can the cold-and-stretch technique be repeated?
Yes, it can be repeated for several cycles after the skin has been rewarmed, depending on patient response and treatment goals.
