What is Localized Cryotherapy?
The wide range of applications of cold therapy has long been recognized for thousands of years. In fact, the therapeutic benefits of cold temperature, particularly its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, were discovered by the ancient Egyptians and the Greek physician Hippocrates (Dawber & Cooper, 2001).
Such intervention has evolved from the simple application of ice packs and ice baths to the development of cutting-edge equipment which utilizes the concept involving the effects of cold temperature in stimulating different body responses. Eventually, this idea has led to the emergence of different methods of cryotherapy, which is known to alleviate pain and inflammation commonly associated with various health conditions.
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How it works
Unlike whole body cryotherapy (WBC), localized cryotherapy aims to target specific parts of the body. Hence, it does not require the use of complex equipment such as chambers to facilitate a cost-effective and equally safe treatment. Aside from this, since only the affected areas are exposed to extreme temperature, localized cryotherapy can be applied for longer periods to allow deeper penetration and a more effective cooling.
In fact, in a study published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine, prolonged superficial cryotherapy reduces post-traumatic microvascular dysfunction, inflammation, and structural impairment secondary to closed soft tissue injury. These effects were because cryotherapy is restoring functional capillary density, repairing tissue damage, decreasing intramuscular pressure, and reducing the number of adhering and invading granulocytes (Schaser, Disch, Stover, Lauffer, Bail, & Mittlmeier, 2007).
Localized Cryotherapy Benefits
- Pain Relief & Muscle Recovery
- Targeted Spot Treatment
- Improves Skin
- Reduces Cellulite Formation
- Deeper Penetration Reduce
- Reduces Inflammation
This method is geared towards facilitating recovery from injuries as well as reducing cellulite formation. In fact, cryotherapy is one of the essential components of the first aid treatment for musculoskeletal injuries known as R.I.C.E therapy – Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation.
This premise is further supported by the results of research studies showing the benefits of cryotherapy in both acute and rehabilitative phases of soft tissue injury which proved its ability to reduce metabolism, decrease the inflammatory reaction and induce local analgesia (Galiuto, 2016).
FAQ’S
Frequently Asked Questions
Does compression therapy work?Yes Compression therapy works and can improve the quality of life for people with many conditions. Doctors often prescribe it to prevent venous insufficiency from becoming more serious.
Here’s why it works:
- Correct pressure. Compression therapy uses the right type of compression for the particular condition being treated.
- The right time and use. The prescribed compression is used consistently for best results.
It’s important to check with your doctor about the level of compression therapy you may need.
Is it safe ?Aliquet nec, vulputate eget, arcu. In enim justo, rhoncus ut, imperdiet a, venenatis vitae, justo. Nullam dictum felis eu pede mollis pretium. Integer tincidunt.
How many treatments would I need ?Aliquet nec, vulputate eget, arcu. In enim justo, rhoncus ut, imperdiet a, venenatis vitae, justo. Nullam dictum felis eu pede mollis pretium. Integer tincidunt. Cras dapibus. Vivamus elementum semper nisi. Aenean vulputate eleifend tellus. eu, consequat vitae, eleifend ac, enim.
Does this proceedure have any side effects?Aliquet nec, vulputate eget, arcu. In enim justo, rhoncus ut, imperdiet a, venenatis vitae, justo. Nullam dictum felis eu pede mollis pretium. Integer tincidunt. Cras dapibus. Vivamus elementum semper nisi. Aenean vulputate eleifend tellus. eu, consequat vitae, eleifend ac, enim.
Does acupuncture have any side effects?Aliquet nec, vulputate eget, arcu. In enim justo, rhoncus ut, imperdiet a, venenatis vitae, justo. Nullam dictum felis eu pede mollis pretium. Integer tincidunt. Cras dapibus. Vivamus elementum semper nisi. Aenean vulputate eleifend tellus. eu, consequat vitae, eleifend ac, enim.