What should you know about cryo physiotherapy?

A physiotherapist may apply a cold pack, cooled wrap, or another supervised cold method to a specific body area. Cold can temporarily reduce local sensation and narrow small blood vessels, which may lessen discomfort and swelling. It does not repair a tendon, ligament, nerve, or joint by itself.

Cryotherapy may support rehabilitation for problems such as an ankle sprain, Achilles tendinitis, or selected neck and upper-limb conditions. The right method depends on skin sensation, circulation, the injury stage, and the exercises being prescribed.

Use cold only for the duration and frequency recommended by your clinician, with a protective layer between the cold source and skin. Check the skin during and after treatment. Stop if you develop burning, marked numbness, pale or mottled skin, worsening pain, or unusual tingling.

Cold should complement movement, strength, balance, and activity advice rather than replace them. Tell your physiotherapist if you have reduced sensation, circulation problems, a cold sensitivity, or difficulty recognising skin changes.

Seek medical advice for rapidly increasing swelling, severe pain after a new injury, inability to bear weight, new weakness or numbness, or skin damage after cold exposure. Urgent assessment is needed for a deformed limb, loss of circulation, or sudden severe neck symptoms.

Ask which cold method suits your condition, how it should fit around exercise, what skin changes are unsafe, and which active treatments will address the cause of your symptoms.