Gymna CRYOFLOW ICE-CT, Treatment Manual

Page: 7 / 56

7
1.1 Definition
Cryotherapy is the therapeutic application of cold that can be obtained in various
ways (with ice, cold water, damp cloth, methyl chloride, carbon dioxide…).
Basically cryotherapy can be divided in three groups “conduction cryotherapy”,
“airflow cryotherapy” and “sublimation cryotherapy”. With conduction
cryotherapy cold is transferred via contact on the treated spot whereas this direct
contact is avoided in the two other groups. With sublimation therapy liquid gas
(nitrogen) is used to cool down a spot whereas free surrounding air is used to
cool down the treatment zone in airflow cryotherapy.
1.2 History
Cryotherapy has been used in the treatment of traumatology since time
immemorial. The use of ice and snow as therapeutically means was already
mentioned by Hippocrates (460-377 before J.-C.).
Cryotherapy has been used very frequently because of its beneficial effects; but
in a completely empirical way.
The method of application of cryotherapy has gone through several evolutions,
of course, but it is especially the improvement of physiological knowledge that
has allowed us to better understand the effects and made it possible to better
determine the various fields of applications and the modes of operation.
1.3 The notion “thermal shock”
In the early seventies various studies showed that, to be really effective in
cryotherapy, a “thermal shock” had to be carried out.
The cold causes a vasoconstriction. The quicker the drop in temperature, the more
efficient the “return-reaction”. "Under normal conditions the skin temperature is
around 34° C. This skin temperature should drop as quickly as possible.
1. Introduction