COLDCRYOTHERAPY APPLICATION TECHNIQUES What is the proper method

COLD—CRYOTHERAPY APPLICATION TECHNIQUES

What is the proper method? �Begin immediately after an injury, and continue treatment for the next 24– 48 – 72 hours. �Rest the injured area. Avoid moving it and try to keep weight off it. Use splints, braces, canes, or crutches when available.

�Cryotherapy is not effective in controlling the formation of edema caused by immobility and poor circulation. �In such cases, increased venous or lymphatic circulation is required to move fluid out of the affected area. �This is best accomplished with compression, elevation, heat, exercise, and massage.

Facilitation quick icing: � Used in the rehabilitation of patients with flaccidity resulting from upper motor neuron dysfunction �Facilitate alpha motor neuron activity to produce a contraction in a muscle �The stimulus of a brief application of cryotherapy 5 minuets is thought to facilitate:

Cryokinetics ( athletes) �Cryokinetics - Combination of cold and exercise in the treatment of pathology or disease. �Most commonly used in the rehabilitation of athletes. �Cold is applied first for up to 15 - 20 minutes, or until the patient reports numbing of the area; then the patient performs strengthening and stretching exercises for 3 to 5 minutes until sensation returns. �The cooling agent is then reapplied until analgesia is regained. �Repeat approximately five times.

Inhibition: Decreased spasticity with prolonged cooling: �Prolonged cooling, lasting for 10 to 30 minutes: �Decrease in gamma motor neuron activity �Decrease in afferent muscle spindle and Golgi tendon organ activity �Effects generally persist for 1 to 1. 5 hours

Cryostretch (Spray stretch technique) �Cryostretch �Application of a cooling agent before stretching. �Reduce muscle spasm and thus allow greater range-of-motion increases with stretching.