Cryotherapy and Heat therapy (Thermal therapy)
Thermal therapy is the application of hot or cold elements to the body for the relief of pain and control of inflammation and swelling.
Cryotherapy or cold therapy is ideal for the acute phase of injury (first 72 hours) and immediately post-operative (after surgery) to reduce pain and swelling. Cryotherapy works by vasoconstriction of the blood vessels (decrease blood flow) which slows bleeding, reduces the inflammatory response and provides analgesia (pain relief).
At Paws in Motion, we have selected the Game Ready system to provide an enhanced form of dry cold therapy and active compression, which delivered simultaneously, works to reduce swelling, minimise pain, prevent further tissue damage, and promote faster healing.
Heat therapy, in contrast to cold therapy, should not be used on tissues already inflamed, or it may worsen the inflammation, swelling and pain. The increased tissue temperature causes vasodilation (increase blood flow) which speeds up activity in cells and also assists in removal of toxic waste from the tissue. Soft tissue becomes more flexible with heat and this helps in muscle relaxation and reduces joint stiffness. This allows stretching of the muscles to be performed more effectively and comfortably. Heat is useful in chronic pain, such as osteoarthritis, where it can provide pain relief
