What is Cold Therapy or Cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy, also known as cold therapy or ice therapy, is one of the most widely-used treatment methods for certain muscle and joint injuries. Cold Therapy Devices Cold therapy devices are typically prescribed by doctors, such as orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists, after certain surgical procedures to minimize pain and swelling and encourage mobility. Cryotherapy is commonly used to treat joint pain and post-surgical swelling in areas such as the ankles, feet, wrists, hands, knees, and shoulders. Cryotherapy machines circulate cold water around these areas after surgery. Injuries Caused by Cryotherapy If cold therapy devices are used too long, or at too cold of a temperature, it can result in serious injuries such as nerve damage, chronic pain, or frost bite. With little or no instruction or warnings, patients may subject the skin and underlying nerves to very cold temperatures for extended periods of time. Because ice therapy can desensitize the affected area, serious injuries can o
