Cryotherapy

Question 1

• Use of cold modalities for therapeutic purposes
• Since when was it used?
• ________________: emerging studies

Answer 1

Cryotherapy

Used since 2500 B.C.
1950’s - 1960’s

Question 2

What is the normal response to cold?

Answer 2

IC - Intense Cold
B - Burning
A - Aching
N - Numbness

Question 3

What are the therapeutic effects of Cryotherapy?

Answer 3

1. ⬇️ Tissue Temp
2. ⬇️ Blood Flow & tissue metabolism
3. ⬇️ Ms. Spasm & Tightness
4. Elevate pain threshold, facilitating exercises c less discomfort

Question 4

Physical Principles

Answer 4

Heat Absorption : Lessens heat, not overpower

Question 5

Heat Transfer

Answer 5

1. Conduction - Physical Contact
2. Convection - Liquid
3. Evaporation - Air eg. Spray

Question 6

Methods of Energy Transfer

Answer 6

Ice Packs = Conduction
Ice Massage = Conduction
Vapocoolant Spray = Evaporation
Controlled Units = Conduction
Cold Immersion = Conduction & Convection

Question 7

Temp Conversion from F to C

Answer 7

F = (9/5 x C) + 32
C = 5/9 (F - 32)

Question 8

Biophysical Principle of Tissue Coding

Answer 8

1. The Resulting arteriolar Vasoconctriction reduces bleeding
2. Decrease in Metabolism reduces inflammation and fluid filtration
3. Pain threshold is elevated

Question 9

Indication

Answer 9

1. Acute Musculocutaneous injury/trauma
2. Pain and Ms. Spasm
   
   • Cryokinetics
     = By Haden and Grant
     = Cold + Exercise / Cryostretch (icing while stretching)
   • Delayed onset of Ms. Soreness (DOMS)
     = Ice has no benefits based on studies
     = Soreness after exercise (usually 1st day)
3. Myofascial Pain Syndrome
   = Has Hyperirritable spot
   = “Jump Sign”
   = Local Tenderness
   = Local Twitch Response

Question 10

Guidelines

Answer 10

• Before Applying ice depends on the location
  Eg. Shoulder - Using cold Pack
  Eg. Lower Ex - Submerged
• Application: 20 - 30 mins
• Intermittent cold application: more effective
  Eg. 10 mins ice : 10 mins rest

Question 11

Contraindications:

Answer 11

1. Hypersensitivity to cold
2. Cold Urticaria - Blanches, erythema
3. Cryoglobulinemia - d/o characterized by presence of cryoglobulins
4. Raynaud’s Phenomenon
   
   • vasospastic d/o and can be idiopathic or secondary
   • smoking & caffeine can worsen frequency & intensity of symptoms
   • (+) French Flag Sign
     Red = Rubor
     Blue = Pallor
     White = Cyanosis

Question 12

Precautions:

Answer 12

1. HTN
2. Over a superficial peripheral Nn.
3. Over unopened wound
4. Over an area of poor sensation
5. Individuals c poor cognition
6. Very young or very old

Question 13

METHODS

Answer 13

1. Cold Packs
   = can use towel c it to lessen coldness
   = crushed or cubed ice in a plastic
   = Commercial gel packs
   = Mixture of water and isopropyl alcohol (2:1)
2. Ice Massage
   = usually done over a small area
   Eg. Ms. Belly, tendon, Bursa
   = Over trigger points
3. Vapocoolant Spray
   = treat trigger points
   = Induce relaxation of tight ms. prior to stretching
   *for pain relief only
   = has high volatile substance
   (easily evaporate)
   A. Flourimethane
   B. Ethyl Chloride
4. Cold Compression Unit
   = c cuff & blade used
   = costs a lot; used in sports facilities
5. Cold Gel
   = Commercially available gel or cream that give sensation of cold
   = content: ethanol, menthol
   = Applied to the skin over the area of injury
   = Easy to carry

Question 14

What was the song about Vapocoolant?