What is Local Cryotherapy?
The application of ‘cold’ for the treatment of injuries is widely used in sports medicine (Swenson et al., 1996). Over the years many of us have been most familiar with using the frozen bag of peas on the injury or wrapping some ice in a towel and resting it on the injury. Despite these treatments having some positive effects on healing the injury there is a much more superior treatment, local cryotherapy.
Used in Sports Medicine
Local cryotherapy is used in sports medicine for the treatment of both acute and chronic injuries of soft tissue. CryoClinic use an electric appliance, which blasts out cold air (at different flows) at a temperature of -32 degrees Celsius (much colder than your bag of frozen peas) for a 10-minute period. The local treatment provides a rush of oxygenated blood, a natural analgesic effect, and a reduction in muscle tension in the targeted area. Post-treatment, this circulation of blood in the treatment area increases the rates of healing and recovery in the injured tissues. Additionally, the natural analgesic effect provided by the treatment and the relaxation of muscles allows the individual to gradually increase their exercise tolerance, and strengthen the muscles and joints reducing the risk of injury in the future.
What are the benefits of the local cryotherapy treatment?
Having a block of local cryotherapy treatments close together (5-10 treatments) not only helps the individual to recover quicker and return to sport/exercise but it is also the most effective way to maximise the healing effects at the injured site. This is largely due to the increased circulation of blood and metabolic processes remaining higher for longer. CryoClinic sessions will reduce the intensity of pain and swelling occurring from an injury, which is especially important for athletes who take part in professional training sessions and are regularly challenged with these types of problems.
Multiple Treatments
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Reduced recovery time for injuries
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Enhances sporting performance
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Reduction in the regeneration phase
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Reductions in inflammation
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Immunomodulation
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Reduction of pain
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Reduction of spasm
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Improvement of joint function
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Decrease in muscle tension
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Reduction of post-traumatic treatments
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Overall quicker return to training
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Decreased Fatigue
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Enhances healing post-surgery
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Improves circulation
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Decrease swellings
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Decrease in chronic pain syndrome
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Enhances recovery of muscle and ligament strains
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Speeds up recovery of tendon injuries
