cryotherapy

cold object abstracting heat from object in contact and then lowers the temperature

a body part being cooled in ice water or cold bath

a volatile liquid cools the part being treated by evaporation

• temp difference between cold object and tissue
• time of exposure
• thermal conductivity (fat poor conductor compared to muscle)
• type of cooling agent (ice packs> ice bath)

• longer
• vasoconstriction effect of cold and vasodilation effect of heat

vasoconstriction- will dec bleeding and swelling

pain; acute inflammation; local bleeding; edema or swelling; spasm; spasticity; facilitation of motor response; acute burns;

previous history of frostbite; arterial insufficiencies; hypersensitivity to cold; angina; anesthetic skin; regenearting peripheral nerves; patient too old or too young

• silica gel in a plastic cover stored in refrigerator at 5 deg C for 2 hrs before treatment
• layer of towels (wet) should be placed between the pack and skin surface
• stay cold 15-20 min

crushed ice inside plastic bag or wet towel; 10-20 min

stroking of ice on a body part; water frozen in paper cup; applied in a circular, smooth, rhythmical strokes over the area that is being treated; 10 min

ice and water mixed; used for extremities; 13-18 deg (lower temp shorter duration); compression wrap may be an added advantage; 10 min

cooled water is circulated through a sleeve that is applied over an extremity; the sleeve is inflated intermittently to pump edema fluid from extremity while cooling the area' 10-25 deg

• the skin is cooled by evaporation of the substance sprayed on the skin
• two types; spray is performed from distal to proximal; stretching is done while spraying; use for trigger points and muscle spasms

• F-32 x 5/9
• C x 9/5 +32

• apply ice until pt is numbed (10-15 min)
• exercise in pain free range
• ice until numb
• exercise again
• ice
• repeat cycle and end with ice

• inspect skin
• test for hypersensitivity
• verify the circulatory status
• determine no frostbite
• proper position and draping
• convert C to F and vise versa

• must be performed in pain free range
• reestablishes neuromuscular function
• allows exercise sooner
• helps limit atrophy, loss of function, and swelling due to muscle pump
• disadvantage is ice can be uncomfortable and exercise can be over performed