Cryotherapy – coming in from the cold…

[6 June 2007 - 10h34]

From the Greek word kryos – meaning ‘cold’ – cryotherapy is quite simply treatment using cold. Dating back across the centuries, this technique is by no means new. Hippocrates in fact is known to have recommended immersion in icy rivers as an aid to recovery from injury or wounds – albeit a rather empiric recommendation… Brrr!

Today, cryotherapy is rather more civilised! It takes the form of ice-cold showers or baths, or the application of ice, carbonic snow or liquid nitrogen. But although the means may have evolved somewhat, the underlying principle remains the same. Cold continues to be valued for its analgesic effect against pain and also for its anti-inflammatory qualities.

To explain: cold slows down nerve conduction. This helps to alleviate the sensation of pain resulting from a blow, for example. It also has a vasoconstrictive effect. In other words, it produces a decrease in the size of the blood vessels and hence a reduction in blood flow. Which is ideal for limiting the formation of hematomas.

Which is why cryotherapy is particularly used in sports injuries such as blows, sprains, strains, tendonitis, etc. If you twist your ankle just fill a container with ice, wrap it in a piece of cloth and apply it to the injury. It will help ease the pain and reduce swelling.

Cryotherapy can also be used to alleviate dental pain, inflammatory rheumatism and even post-operatively after surgery. As for cryosurgery – this is used to destroy specific tissues through the application of cold. It is used particularly in dermatology to get rid of angiomas and verrucas.

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