Lecture #10 (Cryokinetics and Cryostretch)

Question 1

What is cryokinetics?

Answer 1

The application of cryotherapy techniques to numb the injured body part followed by gradual, progressive, active exercises progressing towards full functional ability.

Question 2

What is cryokinetics most effective with?

Answer 2

Acute sprains or strains

Question 3

Why does cryokinetics work?

Answer 3

Its purpose is to decrease pain from initial injury (through numbness), and if exercise induces pain sensation then the activity is too vigorus and threatens to cause further injury. (Built in safety valve for cryokinetics)

Question 4

What is the sequence of cryokinetics?

Answer 4

(1) cold-induced numbness (12-20 minutes)
(2) exercise bout (2-3 minutes while still numb)
* repeat sequence at least four more times (re-numbing only takes 3-5 minutes)

Question 5

How often can cryokinetics be used?

Answer 5

2-3 times/ day

Question 6

What is the progression of cryokinetics exercise?

Answer 6

• non-weight bearing active ROM
• weight bearing (if tolerated) and begin weight shifting activities
• weight bearing AROM
• walking or basic functional activities
• strengthening after cryokinetics session (no re-numbing)
• jogging or difficult functional activities (hopping, jumping, sprinting)
• progress until able to perform activity beyond anesthsia without pain
• return to team drills

Question 7

What are the advantages of cryokinetics? (x4)

Answer 7

• allows exercise/rehab to begin sooner
• retards muscle atrophy and neural inhibitions
• reduces swelling
• inexpensive and can be done at home

Question 8

What are the disadvantages of cryokinetics (x3)

Answer 8

• ice can be painful during initial immersion
• melted ice can be hazard
• takes time to do full session

Question 9

What are the precautions of cryokinetics?

Answer 9

• *same contraindications as cryotherapy**
• Pain MUST BE USED AS A GUIDELINE
• active exercises that cause pain should be avoided
• do not have athlete willfully overcome pain
• could be pain in body part for 4-8 hours after session

Question 10

What does cryostretching do?

Answer 10

Involves three techniques to reduce muscle spasm which will lead to increased flexibility:
1-cryotherapy
2- static stretching
3-PNF technique

Question 11

What is cryostretching indicated for?

Answer 11

Muscle strains, contusions, inflammatory conditions (myofascitis), and muscular trigger points/spasms

Question 12

What is the sequencing of cryostretching?

Answer 12

• apply cryotherapy until numb (15-30 minutes)
• perform static stretches (20 sec) then isometric muscular contractions (5-10 sec) for three sets (2-3 minutes)
• gradually build muscular contraction to submaximal contraction
• re-numb and repeat process until muscle spasm subsides (often 3-5 times)

Question 13

Why does cryostretching use stretching instead of exercise?

Answer 13

Exercise would cause the muscle to heat up to quickly.

Question 14

What are the effects of cryostretching?

Answer 14

• Cryotherapy decreases pain and muscle spasm
• Static stretch overcomes stretch reflex (decreasing muscle spasm)
• creep less painful to develop plastic changes tissue (gain flexibility)
• relaxation of muscle

Question 15

What are the contraindications and precautions of cryostretching?

Answer 15

• stretching acute inflammation can increase hemorrhaging and damage
• use pain as guideline to avoid further injury
• avoid quick, jerking movements