Cryotherapy

What is cryotherapy?

Cryotherapy involves exposing targeted areas of the body to cold temperatures for a short, controlled period. The cold causes blood vessels to constrict, which helps reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain. Once the cold exposure ends, blood flow increases to the treated area, delivering oxygen and nutrients that support healing and tissue repair.

In physiotherapy, cryotherapy is commonly used as part of a broader rehabilitation programme rather than a standalone treatment.

Benefits of cryotherapy

Cryotherapy offers a range of therapeutic benefits when used correctly within a physiotherapy setting:

• Reduction of pain and discomfort
• Decrease in inflammation and swelling
• Faster recovery after injury or surgery
• Support for muscle relaxation and spasm relief
• Improved tolerance to rehabilitation exercises
• Enhanced recovery for athletes and active individuals

At Vitruvian Italian Physiotherapy Center, cryotherapy is always applied based on clinical assessment and individual needs.

Conditions treated with cryotherapy

Cryotherapy may be recommended as part of treatment for a variety of conditions, including:

• Sports injuries and muscle strains
• Tendon and ligament injuries
• Joint pain, including knee, shoulder, and ankle issues
• Post-surgical rehabilitation
• Acute inflammation and swelling
• Overuse injuries
• Back and neck pain

Your physiotherapist will assess whether cryotherapy is suitable for your condition and how it should be combined with manual therapy and exercise.

Cryotherapy in physiotherapy rehabilitation

At Vitruvian Italian Physiotherapy Center, cryotherapy is often used to support other treatments such as:

• Manual therapy
• Therapeutic exercises
• Sports rehabilitation programmes
• Post-operative recovery plans

By reducing pain and inflammation, cryotherapy can help patients perform exercises more comfortably and progress more effectively through their rehabilitation.