Cold Therapy
Cryotherapy is another name for cold therapy when the body is exposed to extremely low temperatures for a minute. It reduces blood flow to a particular region, significantly reducing swelling and inflammation that cause pain, mainly around a joint or tendon.
Cold therapy could temporarily decrease nerve activity, which would reduce pain. Aside from that, it acts as a topical anesthetic to numb irritated tissues and inhibits the transmission of pain signals to the brain.
Apply an ice pack or an ice bath to the affected area as an at-home treatment. A frozen substance should never be applied directly to the skin since it can harm its tissues.
Use short bouts of cold therapy many times per day. Cold therapy should only be applied for 5 minutes to prevent nerve, tissue, and skin damage. This also prevents ice burning. For optimal benefits, elevate the affected region.
Like any other treatment, it has risks, especially if applied for a longer time, that it can affect the tissue, skin, and nerves. Cold therapy is also not for those people who have heart disease. That’s why it’s recommended to consult a doctor before doing so.
