Cumming chiropractor, chiropractor in Cumming, GA

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is a term that describes the application of ice compresses to reduce the temperature of tissues directly on or below the skin surface. Cryotherapy works on the surface cooling constricts blood vessels, numbs painful areas, and helps relax muscle spasms. Cold temperatures reduce nerve transmission of painful symptoms and provide temporary relief. Cooling affected tissues is effective in reducing and preventing post-traumatic swelling. Local cooling should be applied several times a day during the initial stages of an injury. During the first 48-72 hours after an injury it is extremely important to use the acronym R.I.C.E. - Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.

Rest is obvious, is you have injured yourself, you need to rest to allow the body sufficient time to begin healing.

Ice will help to reduce the amount of inflamation from from the injury by causing the tissues to contract, thereby reducing the healing time required to fully recover from an injury. Do not use heat during the first 48-72 immediately following an injury or you are taking the risk of increasing the amount of inflammation in the area and extending the time needed for a full recovery.

Compression also helps to reduce the amount of swelling from an injury.

Elevation is simply resting in a position so that when possible the injured area is above the heart. This makes the blood flow against gravity, reducing the amount of blood flow to the area. This prevents inflammation by allowing less blood, which helps to create the inflammation, to reach the injured.

Patients Benefits: Helps reduce swelling and inflammation, Numbs affected area to reduce pain, Reduces muscle spasms and is inexpensive and can be self-applied.