COLD THERAPY
The application of cold onto an injury is very common. Cryotherapy reduces pain, cold causes the blood vessels to constrict so that bleeding in the damaged tissue and swellings are also reduced. The drop in temperature of the tissue also slows down the metabolism so that any further damage through lack of oxygen is also prevented. If the temperature continues to drop, nerve activity is suppressed. Blood vessels regain their original volume and warm blood flows to heat up the tissue again. The swelling increases irrespective of whether further cold is applied. After a time the nerves heat up again so that the blood vessels constrict again and a new cycle of cooling and heating up starts. This is why it is important to limit the application of cold to ten minutes. When the cold is removed, the skin temperature rises, but the temperature of the underlying tissue continues to drop. It is recommended to apply cold again after 30 minutes for ten minute. During the first 24 – 48 hours after the injury, it is recommended to repeat this cycle as often as possible. On the following days you can cool down the injury twice for ten minutes three to five times per day with a break of half an hour in between. Repeat until the injury disappears.
Source: R. Meeusen, P.Lievens, The Use of Cryotherapy in Sports Injuries, Sport Medicine 3:398-414 (1986) R.Kanlayanaphotporn, Janwantanakul P., Comparison of skin surface temperature during the application of various cryotherapy modalities, Arch Phys Med Rehabil.Jul, 86(7):1411-1415 (2005)
HEAT THERAPY
Localised heat stimulates the circulation. This increased circulation relaxes the muscles and makes the joints more supple so that they can move better. Heat is ideal also for painful muscle spasms. |
