Cryotherapy is based on surface cooling and thus a localised reduction in tissue temperature. In cold air therapy, a continuously cooled air flow with a constant temperature range is used for this purpose. This results in a number of thermoregulatory effects which differ from those of other forms of cold application (e.g. ice or cold compresses) and which are desirable for various indications. These include, in particular, acute and chronic pain conditions (especially in sports physiotherapy) and rheumatic conditions. Cold air therapy is also used to cool the skin surface during laser treatments.
Cryotherapy with cold air flow has the following specific physiological effects:
  • Reduction in the sensitivity of sensory nerves
  • Reduction of nerve conduction velocity
  • Immediate vasoconstrictor effect
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