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Physiotherapy vocabulary · Electrotherapy and Physical Agents

Cryotherapy

Meaning in physiotherapy, with examples

/ˌkraɪoʊˈθɛrəpi/nounCommon term

In physiotherapy, cryotherapy means: Treatment with cold, such as an ice pack, a cold compress or ice massage, often used to reduce pain and swelling after an injury.

In Turkish: kriyoterapi, soğuk uygulama, buz uygulaması

How it is used

In clinics and with patients it is usually just called 'ice' or 'icing'. Physiotherapists wrap ice in a damp cloth to protect the skin and limit how long it is applied. Reduced skin sensation and poor circulation are reasons to take extra care with cold.

Example sentences

  1. We used cryotherapy after the session to help settle the swelling.

  2. Cryotherapy is applied with a damp towel between the ice and the skin.

Common collocations

  • ice pack
  • apply ice
  • cold therapy
  • ice massage
  • heat therapyTreatment that warms the body tissues, for example with a hot pack, a heat pad or warm water, to ease pain, stiffness and muscle tension.
  • swellingAn increase in the size of a part of the body caused by extra fluid in the tissues, often after an injury, an operation or inflammation.
  • acuteDescribes a problem that started recently and suddenly, such as a new injury or a sudden attack of pain.
  • contraindicationA medical reason why a particular treatment should not be used for a patient, because it could cause harm.

More terms: Electrotherapy and Physical Agents

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.