Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is a therapeutic technique that consists in the application of extreme cold in certain areas of the body to treat inflammation and pain, relieving symptoms like swelling and redness. 

It promotes vasoconstriction, decreasing the blood flow in the area and also the cells permeability. 

Cryotherapy is most used to prevent and treat injuries, but also have a aesthetic purpose for localized fat, cellulite and/or sagging. 

Cryotherapy: What is it for? 

Cryotherapy is very helpful in many situations, including: 

  • Muscular injuries, such as sprains and strains or bruises;
  • Orthopedic injuries, like in the ankle or foot;
  • Muscle pain;
  • Muscle and articulation inflammation;
  • Other clinical conditions, like cancers and tumors;
  • Skin conditions such as plantar warts. 

Cryotherapy is also indicated when in a combination of heat and cold, to help with body injuries. If you wanna know more about these techniques, you should see your healthcare provider. 

How it’s done

It’s usually prescribed by a physiotherapist according to the patient’s treatment plan. It can be managed in many ways, such as

  • Applying ice, in cubes or in thermal bags, gels or even in some specific devices (mainly in aesthetic treatments);
  • Is also known in spray, liquid nitrogen or cold water immersion. 

In all of the cases, the exposure to cold and/or ice can pass 20 minutos, to avoid skin burn. 

Beware: Cryotherapy isn’t always the best option! 

You should always seek medical attention to trace the best treatment plan for your specific case. 

Since Cryotherapy interferes with blood flow and metabolism, there are a few contraindications for using this method. 

Therefore, Cryotherapy is not recommended if you

  • Have any skin conditions that can be aggravated with cold and impair healing;
  • Poor blood circulation, as this procedure reduces the circulation in the area it is applied;
  • Have fainting problems, or any kind of comprehension retard, as you cannot inform wether it’s too cold or causing pain. 
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Should I prepare before a Cryotherapy session?

Mostly, it does not require any kind of special preparation. However, your care provider will always instruct you before any procedure. 

But it’s usually recommended suspending certain medications like aspirin or any blood thinners. 

You should never use these method longer than is recommended by the doctor. 

 

When to seek medical attention after a Cryotherapy session? 

You need to contact your healthcare provider if you have any sign of infection after cryotherapy. It includes

  • Redness;
  • Pus;
  • Fever. 

If you want to know more about this method and how we use it here in Pathak Podiatry, contact us right now. 

We have a specialized team waiting for you! 

Localized cryotherapy session to the shoulder

FAQ

Is this the same as the STD?

No, there are many different types of viral warts. Plantar warts are spread through contact with the virus through a cut in the foot. Sexually transmitted warts are a completely different strain so the two are separate and distinct diagnosis’.

Can warts come back?

Yes, if you are re-infected you can get them again and will need to unergo repeat treatments to get rid of them.

Are they contagious?

Yes, if you live with others you should keep the bathroom clean, don’t share shoes, spray lysol on surfaces your feet have touched, and keep the wart covered with a bandaid to avoid spreading it.