La Cryotherapy is becoming more and more common among athletes, especially for the pain prevention e of injuries.
The treatment consists of the application of ice in some areas of the body, where it is deemed necessary.
Index
What?
Cryotherapy is the name given to the nucleoside based on the use of low temperatures for the development of a treatment.
Applying ice to the painful region causes analgesia, that is rpain relief. This happens because of the cold contracts the blood vessels, thus causing a decrease in swelling of the injured region, of metabolism local and nerve impulses that lead to a feeling of discomfort in the brain.
In addition, cryotherapy is capable of reduce acute inflammatory processes, which can occur after an activity that requires a lot of muscular effort, thus helping the athlete recovery process.
How is it done?
Cryotherapy combined with the rest It is suitable for athletes who want to avoid a small accident can get worse.
Its practice is important because it has been proven that the cold is able to relieve non-acute and persistent pains and help muscle recovery.
Methods
ice bag
Most traditional - and cheap - of all. Just put gods ice cubes in a plastic bag and apply where pain is felt.
Tip: Use crushed ice and remove the air from the bag for better adhesion of the material to the skin.
Bags of gel
They are products made of moldable plastic that are also reusable. During application, it is worth paying attention to the contact time, because the bag can stick to the skin, causing burns.
Immersion in water and ice
They are common in sports environments - for a post-race recovery, for example - and represent one of the most effective forms of cryotherapy. The body is almost completely immersed in frozen water and this can cause some discomfort i
Cryogenic chamber
It consists of entering for two or three minutes in a cylindrical tank or in a chamber similar to a steam sauna that is filled with nitrogen gas, reaching temperatures up to -150 ° C.
How long?
It depends on the type of practice. As said the cryochamber go to 2 3 in minutes. Other applications may vary from 20 to 30 minutes.
Ice sensitivity is individual, so it would be best for the athlete to test more than one form of application to choose the one that best fits.
Costs and Prices
The costs of the cryotherapy session vary according to the number of treatments that patients undergo. On average the price is however 50 € per session.
When to do a cryogenic treatment?
After a race or competition and whenever there is some muscle discomfort.
Cryotherapy is not recommended before a workout or competition because it can decrease motor control, flexibility and increase joint stiffness.
Controindicazioni
General contraindications are those suffering from circulatory insufficiency, cold allergy, anesthetized skin, advanced diabetes, pregnant women, those suffering from Raynaud's syndrome and if you have open wounds.