Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

The Use of Cryotherapy in Sports Injuries

  • Review Article
  • Published:
Sports Medicine Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Summary

The use of cold therapy in acute sports injuries as well as in the rehabilitation of the injured athlete has become a generally accepted treatment method. Various cooling modalities are used to apply cold to the injured area, e.g. ice packs, ice towels, ice massage, frozen gel packs, ethyl chloride and other vapocoolants, chemical reaction devices and inflatable splints using refrigerant gas. Most clinical studies report that the use of cryotherapy has a positive effect on pain reduction and on the recovery of various injuries. When the physiological processes produced by cryotherapy are examined in experimental situations, some of these reactions differ from expectations. Skin, subcutaneous, intramuscular and joint temperature changes depend on application method, initial temperature and application time. Intramuscular temperature continues to drop after the cooling modality has been removed. Results of various studies are consistent on the effects on neuromuscular and pain processes. Results of studies on cold and blood flow vary considerably, however it appears that blood flow increases with superficial cold application and decreases when cold is applied to large skin surface areas. Motor performance is affected by temperature with a critical temperature being around 18°C, above and beneath which muscle performance decreases. There is also a critical temperature for the application of cold with inflammation and oedema increasing at temperatures below 15°C. Precautions should be taken because prolonged application at very low temperatures could have deleterious effects.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Abramson DI. Physiologic basis for the use of physical agents in peripheral vascular disorders. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 46: 216–244, 1965

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Abramson DI, Chu LS, Tuck S, Lee SW, Richardson G. Effect of tissue temperatures and blood flow on motor nerve conduction velocity. Journal of the American Medical Association 198(10): 156–162, 1966a

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Abramson DI, Tuck S, Lee SW, Richardson G, Chu LSW. Vascular basis for pain due to cold. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 47: 300–305, 1966b

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Barcroft H, Edholm OG. The effect of temperature on blood flow and deep temperature in the human forearm. Journal of Physiology 102: 5–20, 1943

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Barnes WS. Effects of heat and cold application on isometric muscular strength. Perceptual and Motor Skills 56: 886, 1983

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bassett SW, Lake BM. Use of cold applications in the management of spasticity. Physical Therapy Review 38: 333–334, 1958

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Basur RL, Shephard E, Mouzas GL. A cooling method in the treatment of ankle sprains. The Practitioner 216: 708–711, 1976

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Benson TB, Copp EP. The effects of therapeutic forms of heat and ice on the pain threshold of the normal shoulder. Rheumatology and Rehabilitation 13: 101–104, 1974

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bierman W. Therapeutic use of cold. Journal of the American Medical Association 157 (14): 1189–1192, 1955

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bierman W, Friedlander M. The penetrative effects of cold. Archives of Physical Therapy 21: 585–591, 1940

    Google Scholar 

  • Bing HI, Carlsten A, Christiansen S. The effect on muscular temperature produced by cooling normal and ultraviolet radiated skin. Acta Medica Scandinavica 121: 577–591, 1945

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bing JH, Watts N. Effects of cooling on the triceps surae reflex. American Journal of Physical Medicine 42: 240–251, 1962

    Google Scholar 

  • Blanc Y. Etude reflexométrique expérimentale, comparative des techniques de cryothérapie. Traveaux de la S.S.B.K. 3 (2): 59–67, 1975.

    Google Scholar 

  • Boes MC. Reduction of spasticity by cold. Journal of the American Physical Therapy Association 41 (1): 29–32, 1962

    Google Scholar 

  • Borgia JF, Horvath SM. Reflex cardiac effects of local cutaneous cold exposure in dogs. American Journal of Physiology 239 (1): H114–120, 1980

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Borken N, Bierman W. Temperature changes produced by spraying with ethyl chloride. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 36: 288–290, 1955

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Botte M. Experiméntele benadering van enkele technieken toegepast in de cryothérapie op de temperatuur van verschillende weefsels. Werken van de B.W.V.K. VIII: 52–58, 1982

    Google Scholar 

  • Boyer JT, Fraser JRE, Doyle AE. The haemodynamic effects of cold immersion. Clincial Science 19: 540–550, 1960

    Google Scholar 

  • Bugaj R. The cooling, analgesic, and rewarming effects of ice massage on localized skin. Physical Therapy 55 (1): 11–19, 1975

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chambers R. Clinical uses of cryotherapy. Physical Therapy 49 (3): 245–249, 1969

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chu DA, Lutt CJ. The rationale of ice therapy. Journal of the National Athletic Trainers Association 4 (4): 8–9, 1969

    Google Scholar 

  • Clarke AM. The effect of stimulation on certain skin areas on extensor motorneurones in phasic reaction of a stretch reflex in normal human subjects. Electroencephalography and Clinical Neurophysiology 21: 185–193, 1966

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Clarke RSJ, Lind RF. Venous collection in forearm and hand measured by the strain-gauge and volume Plethysmograph. Clinical Science 16: 103, 1957

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Clarke RSJ, Hellon RF. Hyperaemia following sustained and rhythmic exercise in the human forearm at various temperatures. Journal of Physiology 145: 447–458, 1959

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Clarke RSJ, Hellon RF, Lind AR. Hyperaemia following sustained contractions at different temperatures. Journal of Physiology 137: 45P, 1957a

    Google Scholar 

  • Clarke RSJ, Hellon RF, Lind AR. Cold vasodilatation in the human forearm. Journal of Physiology 137: 84P, 1957b

    Google Scholar 

  • Clarke RSJ, Hellon RF, Lind AR. The influence of muscle temperature on sustained contractions to fatigue. Journal of Physiology 136: 41P, 1957c

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Clarke RSJ, Hellon RF, Lind AR. Vascular reactions of the human forearm to cold. Clinical Science 17: 165–179, 1958a

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Clarke RSJ, Hellon RF, Lind AR. The duration of sustained con- tractions of the human forearm at different muscle temperatures. Journal of Physiology 143: 454–473, 1958b

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Clarke DH, Stelmach GE. Muscle fatigue and recovery curve parameters at various temperatures. Research Quarterly 37 (4): 468–479, 1966

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Clendenin MA, Szumski AJ. Influence of cutaneous ice applica- tion on single motor units in humans. Physical therapy 51 (2): 166–175, 1971

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cobbold AF, Lewis OJ. Blood flow to the knee joint of the dog: effect of heating, cooling, and adrenaline. Journal of Physiology 132: 379–383, 1956

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • DeJong RH, Hershey WM, Wagman IH. Nerve conduction velocity during hypothermia in man. Anesthesiology 27: 805–810, 1966

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Downey JA. Physiological effects of heat and cold. Journal of the American Physical Therapy Association 44 (8): 713–717, 1964

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Downey JA, Darling RC, Miller JM. The effects of heat, cold and exercise on the peripheral circulation. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 49: 308–314, 1968

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Drez D, Faust DC, Evans JP. Cryotherapy and nerve palsy. American Journal of Sports Medicine 9 (4): 256–257, 1981

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Duff F, Greenfield ADM, Sheperd JT, Thompson ID, Whelean RF. The response to vasodilator substances of the blood vessels in fingers immersed in cold water. Journal of Physiology 121: 46–54, 1953

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Edholm OG, Fox RH, Lewis HE, Mac Pherson RK. Cold injury. Journal of Physiology 139: 14P, 1957

    Google Scholar 

  • Eldred E, Lindsley DF, Buchwald JS. The effect of cooling on mammalian muscle spindles. Experimental Neurology 2: 144–157, 1960

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Farry PJ, Prentice NG, Hunter AC, Wakelin CA. Ice treatment of injured ligaments: an experimental model. New Zealand Medical Journal 91: 12–14, 1980

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fischer E, Solomon S. Physiological responses to heat and cold. In Licht (Ed.) Therapeutic heat and cold, Vol. 2, pp. 126–169, Waverly Press, Baltimore, 1965

    Google Scholar 

  • Fokow B, Fow RH, Krog J, Odelrom H, Thorne O. Studies of the reactions of the cutaneous vessels to cold exposure. Acta Physiologica Scandinavica 58: 342–345, 1962

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fox RH. Local cooling in man. British Medical Bulletin 17 (1): 14–18, 1961

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fox RH, Wyatt HT. Cold-induced vasodilatation in various areas of the body surface of man. Journal of Physiology 162: 289–297, 1962

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gaydos HF, Dusek ER. Effects of localized hand cooling versus body cooling on manual performances. Journal of Applied Physiology 12: 377, 1958

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gobelet Ch, Rostan A, Mourre R. Tendinite chez le sportif: traitement par massage transverse profond et glace. Schweizerische Zeitschrift für Sportmedizin 30: 21–23, 1982

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Grant AE. Massage with ice (cryokinetics) in the treatment of painful conditions of the musculoskeletal system. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 45: 233–238, 1964

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Greene MA, Boltax AJ, Lustig G, Rogow E. Circulatory dynamics during the cold pressor test. American Journal of Cardiology 16: 54–60, 1965

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Greenfield ADM, Shepherd JT. A quantitative study of the response to cold of the circulation through the fingers of normal subjects. Clincal Science 9: 323–347, 1950

    Google Scholar 

  • Grose JE. Depression of muscle fatigue curves by heat and cold. Research Quarterly 29 (1): 19–31, 1958

    Google Scholar 

  • Gucker T. The use of heat and cold in orthopedics. In Licht (Ed.) Therapeutic heat and cold. Vol. 2, pp. 398–406, Waverly Press, Baltimore, 1965

    Google Scholar 

  • Haines J. A survey of recent developments in cold therapy. Physiotherapy 53: 222–229, 1967

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Harrison MH, Edwards RJ, Cochrane LA, Graveney MJ. Blood volume and protein responses to skin heating and cooling in resting subjects. Journal of Applied Physiology 54 (2): 515–523, 1983

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hartviksen K. Ice therapy in spasticity. Acta Neurologica Scandinavica 38 (Suppl. 3): 79–84, 1962

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Harvey C, Beneditti L, Hosaka S, Valmassy RL. The use of cold spray and its effect on muscle length. Journal of the American Podiatry Association 73 (12): 629–632, 1983

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hayden CA. Cryokinetics in an early treatment program. Journal of the American Physical Therapy Association 44 (11): 990–993, 1964

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hillman SK, Delforge G. The use of physical agents in rehabil- itation of athletic injuries. Clinics in Sports Medicine 4 (3): 431–439, 1985

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hocutt JE. Cryotherapy. American Family Physician 23 (3): 141–144, 1981

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hocutt JE, Jaffe R, Rylander CR, Beebe JK. Cryotherapy in ankle sprains. American Journal of Sports Medicine 10 (5): 316–319, 1982

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Horvath SM, Hollander JL. The influence of physical therapy procedures on the intra-articular temperature of normal and arthritic subjects. American Journal of Medical Science 218: 543, 1949

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jacobsen UJ. Unterschiedliche Materialien zur Kältetherapie. Physiotherapie 71 (11): 818–823, 1980

    Google Scholar 

  • Janssen CW, Waaler E. Body temperature, antibody formation, and inflammatory response. Acta Pathologica, Microbiologica et Immunologica Scandinavica 69: 557–566, 1967

    Google Scholar 

  • Johnson DJ, Leider FE. Influence of cold bath on maximum handgrip strength. Perceptual Motor Skills 44: 323–326, 1977

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Johnson DJ, Moore S, Moore J, Oliver RA. Effect of cold submersion on intramuscular temperature of the gastrocnemius muscle. Physical Therapy 59 (10): 1238–1242, 1979

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jordan H, Kleinschmidt J, Drexel H. Zum heutigen Stand der Kryotherapie. Münchener medizinische Wochenschrift 119(11): 355–358, 1977

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kalenak A, Medlar CE, Fleagle SB, Hochberg WJ. Athletic injuries: heat versus cold. American Family Physician 12 (5): 131–134, 1975

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kern H. Zur Anwendung der Kryotherapie in der Praxis. Physiotherapie 71 (11): 823–825, 1980

    Google Scholar 

  • Kern H, Fessi L, Trnavsky G, Hertz H. Das Verhalten der Gelenkstemperatur unter Eisapplikation — Grundlage für die prak- tische Anwendung. Wiener klinische Wochenschrift 96 (22): 832–837, 1984

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Klabunde RE, Johnson PC. Effects of reduced temperature on capillary flow and reactive hyperemia in red and white skeletal muscle. Microvascular Research 19: 99–107, 1980

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Knight KL, Londeree BR. Comparison of blood flow in the ankle of uninjured subjects during therapeutic applications of heat, cold, and exercise. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 12 (1): 76–80, 1980

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Knutsson E, Mattson E. Effects of local cooling on monosynaptic reflexes in man. Scandinavian Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine 1: 126–132, 1969

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kraus H. The use of surface anesthesia in the treatment of painful motion. Journal of the American Medical Association 116: 2582–2583, 1941

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kowal MA. Review of physiological effects of cryotherapy. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy 5 (2): 66–73, 1983

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Laing DR, Dalley DR, Kirk JA. Ice therapy in soft tissue injuries. New Zealand Medical Journal 78: 155–158, 1973

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lane LE. Localized hypothermia for the relief of pain in musculoskeletal injuries. Physical Therapy 51 (2): 182–183, 1971

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • LeBlanc JSJ. Impairment of manual dexterity by cold. Journal of Applied Physiology 9: 62, 1956

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • LeBlanc J, Côté J, Dulac S, Dulong-Turcot F. Effects of age, sex, and physical fitness on response to local cooling. Journal of Applied Physiology 44 (5): 813–817, 1978

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Leduc A, Lievens P, Isenbaert R, Wouters V. The effect of phys- ical factors on the vasomotricity of blood- and lymph vessels. In Leduc & Lievens (Eds), Lympho-kinetics, Birkhäuser Verlag, Basel, 1979

    Google Scholar 

  • Lee JM, Warren MP. Ice, relaxation and exercise in reduction of muscle spasticity. Physiotherapy 60 (10): 296–302, 1974

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lee JM, Warren MP, Mason SM. Effects of ice on nerve conduction velocity. Physiotherapy 64 (1): 2–6, 1978

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lehmann JF, Warren CG, Scham SM. Therapeutic heat and cold. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research 99: 207–245, 1974

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lewis T. Observations upon the reactions of the vessels of the human skin to cold. Heart 15: 177–208, 1930

    Google Scholar 

  • Lewis T. Swelling of the human limbs in response to immersion in cold water. Clinical Sciences 4: 349, 1939

    Google Scholar 

  • Licht S (Ed.). Therapeutic heat and cold, Vol. 2, Waverly Press, Baltimore, 1965

  • Licht S. Local cryotherapy. In Therapeutic heat and cold, Physical medicine library, Vol. 2, pp. 538–563, Waverly Press, Baltimore, 1965

    Google Scholar 

  • Lievens P, Leduc A. Cryotherapy and sports. International Journal of Sports Medicine 5 (Suppl.): 37–39, 1984

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lind AR, Samueloff M. The influence of local temperature on successive sustained contractions. Proceedings of the Physiological Society: 12–13, 1957

    Google Scholar 

  • Lippold OCJ, Nicholls JG, Redfearn JWT. A study of the afferent discharge produced by cooling a mammalian muscle spindle. Journal of Physiology 153: 218–231, 1960

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lorenze EJ, Carantonis G, DeRosa AJ. Effect on coronary circulation of cold packs to hémiplégie shoulders. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 41: 394–399, 1960

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lowdon BJ, Moore RJ. Determinants and nature of intramuscular temperature changes during cold therapy. American Journal of Physical Medicine 54 (5): 223–233, 1975

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Marek J, Jezdinsky J, Ochonsky P. Effects of local cold and heat therapy on traumatic edema of the rat hind paw. III. The effect of heat radiation on the course of traumatic edema. In Schmidt et al. (Eds) Zeitschrift für Rheumatologie 38 (11/12): 391–404, 1979

    Google Scholar 

  • Matsen FA, Questad K, Matsen AL. The effect of local cooling on postfracture swelling. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research 109: 201–206. 1975

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • McGown HL. Effects of cold application on maximal isometric contraction. Physical Therapy Review 47 (3): 185–192, 1967

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • McMaster WC. A literary review on ice therapy in injuries. American Journal of Sports Medicine 5 (3): 124–126, 1977

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • McMaster WC, Liddle S, Waugh TR. Laboratory evaluation of various cold therapy modalities. American Journal of Sports Medicine 6 (5): 291–294, 1978

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • McMaster WC, Liddle S, Waugh TR. Laboratory evaluation of various cold therapy modalities. The American Journal of Sports Medicine 6 (5): 291–294, 1978

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mecomber SA, Herman RM. Effect of local hypothermia on reflex and voluntary activity. Journal of the American Physical Therapy Association 51: 271–281, 1971

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Meeusen R, Leduc A, Lievens P. The effects of topical ice application on the permeability of the lymph vessels. In press, 1986.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mennell JM. The therapeutic use of cold. Journal of the American Osteopathology Association 74: 1146/81–1158/93, 1975

    Google Scholar 

  • Miglietta O. Evaluation of cold in spasticity. American Journal of Physical Medicine 41: 148–151, 1962

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Miglietta O. Electromyographic characteristics of clonus and influence of cold. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 45: 508, 1964

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Miglietta O. Action of cold on spasticity. American Journal of Physical Medicine 52 (4): 198–205, 1973

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Murphy AJ. The physiological effects of cold application. Physical Therapy Review 40 (2): 112–115, 1960

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Newton MJ, Lehmkuhl D. Muscle spindle response to body heating and localized muscle cooling: implications for relief of spasticity. Journal of the American Physical Therapy Association 45 (2): 91–105, 1965

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nielsen AJ. Spray and stretch for myofascial pain. Physical Therapy 58 (5): 567–569, 1978

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nielson AJ. Case study: myofascial pain of the posterior shoulder relieved by spray and stretch. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy 3 (1): 21–26, 1981

    Google Scholar 

  • Oliver RA, Johnson DJ. The effects of cold water baths on post-treatment strength. Physician and Sportsmedicine 4: 67–69, 1976

    Google Scholar 

  • Oliver RA, Johnson DJ, Wheelhouse WW, et al. The reponse during rest of muscle temperature under two different conditions. In MacBeth & Johnson (Eds) Abstracts of research papers, Southeast Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine, Charlotte, 1976

    Google Scholar 

  • Oliver RA, Johnson DJ, Wheelhous WW, Griffin PP. Isometric muscle contraction response during recovery from reduced intramuscular temperature. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 60: 126–129, 1979

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Olson JE, & Stranvino VD. A review of cryotherapy. Physical Therapy 52 (8): 840–853, 1972

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ottoson D. The effects of temperature on the isolated muscle spindle. Journal of Physiology 180: 636–648, 1965

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Petajan JH, Watts N. Effect of cooling on the triceps surae reflex. American Journal of Physical Medicine 41: 240–251, 1962

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Prentice WE. An electromyographic analysis of the effectiveness of heat or cold and stretching for inducing relaxation in injured muscle. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy 3(3): 133–140, 1982

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rube R. Kryotherapie in der physikalischen Medizin. Zeitschrift für Allgemeinmedizin 57: 2411–2417, 1981

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rulffs W. Kryotherapie: Indikationen und Kontraindikationen. Physiotherapie 71 (11): 813–814, 1980

    Google Scholar 

  • Rusch NJ, Shepherd JT, Vanhoutte PM. Alternation of contraction and relaxation during profound cooling in canine cutan- eous veins. Journal of Physiology 295: 74P–75P, 1979

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Schmidt KL, Ott VR, Röcher G, Schaller H. Heat, cold and in- flammation. Zeitschrift für Rheumatologie 38 (11/12): 391–404, 1979

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Schnizer W, Kleinschmidt J. Physikalische Grundlagen der Kältetherapie. Physiotherapie 71 (11): 807–809, 1980

    Google Scholar 

  • Schoberth H. Eisbehandlung bei Sportverletzungen. Physiotherapie 71 (11): 814–818, 1980

    Google Scholar 

  • Sechrist WC, Stull GA. Effects of mild activity, heat applications and cold applications on range of joint movement. American Corrective Therapy Journal 23 (4): 120–123, 1969.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shepherd JT, Rusch NJ, Vanhoutte PM. Effect of cold on the blood vessel wall. General Pharmacology 14: 61–64, 1983

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Snedeker J, Recine V, MacCartee C. Cryotherapy and the athletic injury. The Athletic Journal 55 (10): 16–18, 1974

    Google Scholar 

  • Starkey JA. Treatment of ankle sprains by simultaneous use of intermittent compression and ice packs. American Journal of Sports Medicine 4 (4): 142–144, 1976

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tepperman PS, Devlin M. Therapeutic heat and cold. Postgraduate Medicine 73 (1): 69–76, 1983

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Till D. Cold therapy. Physiotherapy 56: 461–466, 1969

    Google Scholar 

  • Travell J. Ethyl chloride spray for painful muscle spasm. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 32: 291–198, 1952

    Google Scholar 

  • Trnavsky G. Das Wirkungsspektrum der Kryotherapie. Zeitschrift für physische Medizin 5: 208–213, 1977

    Google Scholar 

  • Trnavsky G. Beeinflussung der Akkommodabilität durch Eisapplikation. Wiener klinische Wochenschrift 90 (14): 503–505, 1978

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Trnavsky G. Quantitative Durchblutungsmessung vor, während und nach Eisapplikation. Vasa 8(1): 20–22, 1979

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Trnavsky G. Physiologische Wirkungsweise der Kryotherapie. Physiotherapie 71 (11): 810–812, 1980

    Google Scholar 

  • Trnavsky G. Die Beeinflussung des Hoffmann-Reflexes durch Kryolangzeittherapie. Wiener medizinische Wochenschrift 11: 287–289, 1983

    Google Scholar 

  • Trnavsky G, Kern H, Fessi L. Verhalten der Muskeltemperatur unter Kryotherapie. Zeitschrift für physische Medizin 4: 215–219, 1980

    Google Scholar 

  • Urbscheit N, Bishop B. Effects of cooling on the ankle jerk and H-reponse. Journal of the American Physical Therapy Association 50(7): 1041–1049, 1970

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wakim KG, Porter AN, Krusen FH. Influence of physical agents and certain drugs on intraarticular temperature. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 32: 714, 1951

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Waylonis GW. The physiologic effects of ice massage. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 48: 37–42, 1967

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Webb-Peploe MM. Cutaneous venoconstrictor response to local cooling in the dog. Circulation Research XXIV: 607–615, 1969

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Weeks V, Travell J. How to give painless injections. In AMA Scientific Exhibits Volume, pp 318–322, Grune and Stratton Ine, New York, 1957

    Google Scholar 

  • Wolf SL. Contralateral upper extremity cooling from a specific cold stimulus. Physical therapy 51 (2): 158–165, 1971

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wolf SL, Basmajian JV. Intramuscular temperature changes deep to localized cutaneous cold stimulation. Physical therapy 53 (12): 1284–1288, 1973

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wright V, Johns RJ. Physical factors concerned with the stiffness of normal and diseased joints. Johns Hopkins Hospital Bulletin 106: 215, 1960

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zankel H. Effect of physical agents on motor conduction velocity of the ulnar nerve. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 47 (12): 787–792, 1966

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory for Motor Rehabilitation, Department of Medicine, Vrije Universiteit, K. Schurmansstraat 30, B-3200, Kessels-LO, Belgium

    R. Meeusen & P. Lievens

Authors
  1. R. Meeusen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. P. Lievens
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Meeusen, R., Lievens, P. The Use of Cryotherapy in Sports Injuries. Sports Medicine 3, 398–414 (1986). https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-198603060-00002

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-198603060-00002

Keywords

Search

Navigation