Therapeutic Applications of Cryotherapy and Thermotherapy

Cryotherapy

Therapeutic use of cold for treatment.

Thermotherapy

Therapeutic use of heat for treatment.

Vasoconstriction

Narrowing of blood vessels due to cold.

Cold-induced vasodilation (CIVD)

Vasodilation following prolonged cold exposure.

Neuromuscular effects

Cold impacts nerve conduction and muscle strength.

Gate control theory

Pain sensation blocked by competing stimuli.

Spasticity reduction

Decreased muscle stiffness from cold application.

Cryokinetics

Combines cryotherapy with movement for rehabilitation.

Cryostretch

Cryotherapy used to enhance stretching.

Inflammation control

Cryotherapy reduces inflammation and swelling.

Edema control

Cold therapy decreases fluid accumulation in tissues.

MS symptom management

Cryotherapy alleviates symptoms in multiple sclerosis patients.

Therapeutic effects duration

Effects of cryotherapy last 1 to 1.5 hours.

Nerve conduction velocity (NCV)

Speed of nerve signal transmission affected by cold.

Motor nerve excitability

Increased by brief ice application enhancing strength.

Metabolic rate decrease

Cold reduces metabolic reactions, aiding inflammation control.

Cold application duration

20 minutes recommended for effective cryotherapy.

Psychological motivation

Increased motivation improves performance post-cryotherapy.

Peripheral cooling

Cooling extremities to manage MS symptoms.

Joint stiffness

Cold can increase stiffness after prolonged application.

Cold therapy setup

Proper arrangement for effective cryotherapy use.

Thermotherapy setup

Proper arrangement for effective heat therapy use.

Contraindications

Conditions where cryotherapy or thermotherapy should not be used.

Cooling Agent

Substance applied to reduce temperature post-injury.

Cryostretch

Cooling before stretching to reduce muscle spasms.

Catch 22 in Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy may reduce tissue extensibility.

Cold Hypersensitivity

Allergic reaction causing redness and itching from cold.

Cold Intolerance

Severe pain and color changes due to cold exposure.

Cryoglobulinemia

Serum proteins block circulation when cooled.

Paroxysmal Cold Hemoglobinuria

Hemoglobin released into urine after cold exposure.

Raynaud Disease

Bilateral skin pallor and cyanosis from cold.

Raynaud Phenomenon

Unilateral symptoms of pallor and cyanosis from cold.

Peripheral Circulatory Compromise

Condition where blood flow is restricted in extremities.

Cryotherapy Sensation Sequence

Cold, burning, aching, analgesia, then numbness.

Cold Pack Temperature

Holding unit should be -5°C or 23°F.

Ice Massage

Direct application of ice to skin for therapy.

VapoCoolant Sprays

Sprays used for rapid cooling of skin.

Controlled Cold Compression Unit

Maintains temperature between 10°C and 25°C.

Thermotherapy

Application of heat for therapeutic benefits.

Effects of Heat: Hemodynamic

Heat causes vasodilation and increased blood flow.

Effects of Heat: Neuromuscular

Increased temperature improves nerve conduction velocity.

Demyelinated Nerves

Nerves that may block conduction when heated.

Therapeutic Heat Uses

Control pain, increase extensibility, and accelerate healing.

Non-Rehabilitation Heat Uses

Destroy malignant tissue or treat cold injuries.

Application Techniques of Cryotherapy

Methods include cold packs, ice massage, and sprays.

Sodium Channel

Heat shortens opening time, affecting depolarization.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Condition causing peripheral nerve demyelination.

Peripheral Nerve Demyelination

Loss of myelin sheath affecting nerve function.

Pain Threshold

Level at which pain becomes perceptible.

Cutaneous Thermoreceptors

Skin receptors that detect temperature changes.

Gating Effect

Mechanism that reduces pain signal transmission.

Local Metabolic Rate

Rate of metabolism in a specific tissue area.

Inflammation Exacerbation

Heat can worsen inflammation in tissues.

Collagen Extensibility

Heat increases collagen stretchability in tissues.

Plastic Phase

Stage in stress-strain curve with permanent deformation.

Optimal Temperature for Extensibility

104°F to 113°F for maximum soft tissue stretch.

Range of Motion (ROM)

Degree of movement around a joint.

Joint Stiffness

Resistance to movement in a joint.

Thermotherapy Precautions

Conditions requiring caution during heat application.

Thermotherapy Contraindications

Conditions where heat application is not advised.

Thrombophlebitis

Inflammation of vein with clot formation risk.

Infrared Radiation (IR) Goggles

Protective eyewear during IR treatment.

Burn Prevention Techniques

Methods to avoid burns during thermotherapy.

Hot Pack Application

Stored at 158°F to 167°F for treatment.

Paraffin Wax Ratio

6:1 paraffin to oil for lower melting point.

Fluidotherapy

Dry heating agent using circulating heated air.

Contrast Bath Technique

Alternating warm and cold immersion for treatment.