Cryotherapy

This is a treatment involving the application of Ice. This is a commonest and very old method of treatment. The temperature of the skin over the ailment is reduced to 10°C during the treatment.(2^✔)

When useful?

Pain
Muscle spasm (muscles become so tight and painful)
Spasticity (muscles become tight due to damage to the brain)
After any surgery, to train the muscle which has lost its action
Bed sores / Pressure sores

Where it should not be used?

Individuals with -

Psychological fear of ice
Cardiac problems
Nerve injuries
Lack of sensation

Advantages

In case of injury, bleeding is prevented
In case of bedsores, healing is faster

Treatment Time

The treatment duration is about 1-3 minutes (It depends upon the patient's condition)

Ways of Application

Ice towel
Ice packs
Immersion
Ice cube massage
Quick massage

References:

Therapeutic Heat - (https://fadavispt.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?bookid=1932§ionid=141707499)
Sample Records For Cryotherapy - (https://www.science.gov/topicpages/c/cryotherapy.html)
Light Therapy - (https://accessphysiotherapy.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?bookid=2223§ionid=173788506)
Contrast Bath Therapy - (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contrast_bath_therapy)
Shortwave And Microwave Diathermy - (https://accessphysiotherapy.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?bookid=465§ionid=40195359)
Ultrasonics - (https://www.encyclopedia.com/science-and-technology/physics/physics/ultrasonics)
Therapeutic Massage Techniques - (https://www.physioblasts.org/f/public/1366280192_429_FT0_technique_of_massage.pdf)
The Properties Of Water And Their Applications for Training - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4327375/)

Published on Feb 19, 2016
Last Updated on Nov 11, 2019

Robin123 Tuesday, January 28, 2014

I suffer from TMD and have pain in the right side neck. I have been adviced IFT for ten days. Is it ok to go for it and will it reduce the pain. Ravindra Bawari

varun.esm Tuesday, October 29, 2013

i have problem while writing and while working on keyboard or using calculator.
i cannot grip the pen properly within my 1st finger and thumb and while working on computer i am unable to use my 1st finger for pressing keys so i use my middle finger.
please advice...

regards
varun

KathyF Wednesday, July 24, 2013

I had short wave diathermy in Italy for a shoulder injury. It seems to have been very succesful - pain reduced and mobility improved afte 3 sessions. I would try it again.

faizan43 Saturday, March 23, 2013

i have muscular atrophy in my both hand, i cant hold anything and close my figure.anyone advice my how to recover from it.Or any way of treatment??

kdharmarajan1947 Friday, March 22, 2013

For lumbar spondylosis, I've been advised IFT as part pf physio therapy. I find however that IFt sometimes hurts [as if someone pricks me with a pin]while it is on in specific areas. Is it ok? Should I ask to reduce the intensity ..? I should add I do feel a certain degree of comfort once the therapy is over..