Cold therapy, also known as cryotherapy, is a form of physical therapy in which cold is applied deliberately to achieve a therapeutic effect. In physiotherapy, cold therapy is mainly applied locally, with targeted cold stimuli on specific body regions.
The application of cold narrows the blood vessels and thus reduces circulation in the treated area. This can reduce swelling and inflammation. Cold also blocks the pain receptors, which contributes to reduced pain perception.
In physiotherapy, cold therapy is used for various indications, for example acute injuries such as bruises or sprains, inflammatory processes such as bursitis or tendonitis, and swelling and oedema.
Cold can be applied in different ways, such as ice packs, cooling compresses or special cold cuffs. Cold spray or ice massage is also possible. The duration of treatment varies between 5 and 30 minutes depending on the technique and treatment goal.
Besides local application, there is also whole-body cold therapy, in which the entire body is exposed to extremely low temperatures in special cold chambers for a short time. This form of cold therapy, however, is used more in competitive sport and the wellness sector.