Question | Answer |
What are the physiologic responses of cryotherapy? | 1. Vasoconstriction
2. Decreased inflammation
3. Decreased spasm therefore increased ROM
4. Increased pain threshold |
How is cooling accomplished? | By removing heat from an object |
What ways does cooling occur? | Conduction
Convection
Evaporation |
What is conduction? | Transfer of heat by direct interaction |
What are some examples of conduction? | Ice packs
Cold water immersion
Ice water filled cuffs |
What are the four sensations you will feel with cryotherapy? | Cold
Burning
Aching
Numb |
Why is convection rarely used? | Because you have to put them in a gravity dependent position which doesn't help with edema |
What is convection? | Direct connection between skin and MOVING fluid |
What is an example of convection? | Cold whirlpool |
What are evaporative cold therapies used for? | Trigger points before stretch |
What is an example of an evaporative cold therapy? | Vapocoolant spray |
What are some hemodynamic effects of cold agents? | Immediate vasoconstriction |
What are some peripheral nerve effects of cold agents? | Alteration of conduction velocity
Failure to conduct impulses
Cooling to 56 degrees blocks A fibers |
What are some effects on the muscle due to cold agents? | Increase in strength after 5 mins of ice massage (due to smpathetic response which would bring blood to area)
Decrease in strength after 30 mins of immersion in 10-12 decree water |
What are some neromuscular effects of cold agents? | Help reduce spasticity |
What are the primary goals of cryotherapy? | Limit edema
Reduce pain
Muscle relaxation/contraction
Limit secondary hypoxic tissue injury |
What is the goal for helping spasticity? | Decrease tone to allow for increased movement |
Where are ice massages typically done? | Muscle belly
Tendon
Bursa
Trigger points |
What are the water temperature ranges for cold baths? | 13-18 degrees C |
What temperature range are controlled cold compression units set at? | 10-25 degrees C |
What are some contraindications of cold? | Uticaria
Cold intolerance
Cryoglobulinemia
Raynauds disease
Over a regenerating peripheral nerve
Over an area of circulatory compromise
Over an area of PVD |
What are some precautions of cold? | Hypertension
Over a superficial nerve
Over an open wound
Poor sensation
Poor cognition
Very young or very old
Aversion to cold |