Cryotherapy Flashcards
1
Q
Uses of cryotherapy
A
To decrease
- Inflammation or swelling
- Pain
- Muscle spasm
- Neurological spasticity
2
Q
Management of swelling and inflammation
A
- Vasoconstriction: decrease in blood flow to superficial tissues
- Reduces the amount of chemical irritants to injured tissue
- “Reflex” vasodilation. Increase in blood flow with prolonged application
* cyclic vasoconstriction and vasodilation occurs with prolonged exposure (typically greater than 15 minutes); this is known as the hunting reaction and occurs most frequently in the hands, feet, and face
3
Q
Management of the acute inflammatory response
A
- best if applied within and for the 1st 72 hours post injury (or as long as CSI present)
- often used in conjunction with PRICE
4
Q
PRICE
A
Protection - rest - ice - compression - elevation
*inflammation phase peaks 24-72 hrs post injury
5
Q
Pain reduction
A
- lessens pain perception by stimulating thermal (temperature) receptors (gate control theory)
- increases the pain threshold and decreases nerve conduction velocity
- decreases the inflammatory process and associated swelling
- produces analgesia (inability to feel pain)
6
Q
Reduction of muscle spasm
A
- blocks “pain” which interrupts the pain-spasm cycle
- decreases associated muscle tightness and/or spasm by inducing analgesia which allows stretch to the muscle
- decreased inflammation associated with muscle spasm
- how long does cryotherapy analgesia last?
7
Q
Reason for cryotherapy
A
- Modulate pain
- Control the inflammatory process and limit swelling
- Control muscle spasm
8
Q
Reduction of spasticity
A
Spasticity: increase resistance to passive stretch, associated with abnormal tone
- decrease amplitude of deep tendon reflexes
- long lasting effects up to several hours to increase outcomes and participation with treatment
- **regulate body temperature to avoid shivering
9
Q
Management of spasticity
A
Low grade cold application applied x 30 min
- last 1+ hr
10
Q
Gel pack parameters
A
Depth of cold: 1-2 cm after 10-15 minutes
- temp of machine 0-10 degrees F
- Rx time: 10-15 min (20 ok)
- DO NOT place gel pack directly onto skin, use a pillow case or towel
- NEVER apply >45 minutes
- more insulation is needed for ice packs vs gel packs
11
Q
Ice massage parameters
A
- Rx time 5-10 min, determined by amount of time needed to reach analgesia (when numbness achieved)
- generally used for a smaller, more localized area
- Tx area: no larger that 2x the size of the ice (generally 4-6 in)
- slow, overlapping circles (2in/sec)
12
Q
Cold compression
A
- alternately pumps cold water and air into sleeve wrapped around patient’s limb
- water temp 50-77 deg F (10-25 deg C)
- most commonly used to control post-op inflammation and edema
- pts have home units a few days to a few weeks post surgery
13
Q
Cold / ice baths
A
- immersion in water that contains partially melted ice cubes
- typically used for extremities or larger body parts
- water allows complete conformity around the incloved area and provides some compression
- temp 50-65 deg F
14
Q
4 stages of cold
A
Intense cold - burning - aching - numbness
15
Q
Contras to cold application
A
Vasospastic conditions
- Cryoglobulinemia
- Paroxysmal cold hemoglobulinemia
- Raynaud’s disease
- Cold hypersensitivity or intolerance (smooth, elevated red patches on skin with itching (wheals) or sever pain, numbness or color changes)
- Infection
- Over regenerating nerves or with absent sensation
- Peripheral vascular disease with poor circulation
