What are the benefits of ice in physical therapy?

 Introduction:

Many Physical Therapist use Cryotherapy ( ice ) as a part of physical therapy treatment including conditions like acute pain, arthritis, knee pain, back pain, post surgery, frozen shoulder, cervical and many more. Using a ice pack or cold shower shows instant results for pain relief and aids in rehabilitation process.

One of my patient has severe panic disorder and she barely leaves the house without steroid drugs and alcohol, basically she became a shell of a person, but she wanted to get rid of her condition and wants to live a peaceful life. Her symptoms are 

→ severe Anxiety    

→ Depression

→ Panic attacks in situation like driving alone or being in crowded spaces

→ Acute sense of doom

She came to me with all these symptoms and what she is suffering through, So being a Physical Therapist I made a tailored Physical therapy program for her which includes 

→ Cryotherapy 

→ Breathing Exercises 

→ Strength training in precise form

Cold Therapy Benefits for Mental State:

When you are having some mental injury, it is not at all easy to explain thoroughly to Therapist but slowly and steadily you can have faith and trust your Physical Therapist. Uncomfortable emotions and old triggers in sub-concious mind doesn't allow to open and speak up freely are the first symptom of mentally disturbed person. Cold exposure therapy is one of the most effective tool for releasing uncomfortable emotions and also removes old triggers from your brain.

The temperature of cryotherapy chamber can range from -166*F to -256*F ( -110*C to -160*C)  to maintain this level of extreme cold liquid nitrogen or argon gas is used. Ice helps to focus on the physical sensation of the cold rather than the negative sensation because of anxiety and negative emotion. Ice bath, Cryotherapy or cold exposure is extremely beneficial to regulate emotions on a deeper level, also helps to face the fear, test the mental strength and improve physical health. some of the benefits of exposure to cold are as follows:

1.Inflammation and Depression

Normally, we think of inflammation as being caused by something physical like exercise or something foreign like virus, but inflammation can also be our body's response to stress. Have you ever experienced neck or shoulder pain because of stress? Migraines? or Tension headaches? These all are perfect example of our body trying to tell us something; however, we usually just don't listen or we use surface level fixes like over the counter-pain relievers or anti-inflammatories. The Wim Hof Method, in which Breathing Exercises and Cold Exposure are paired, has been scientifically proven to suppress inflammation, improve sleep, and decrease stress.

  Researches has shown a direct relation between depression and higher level of inflammation in the body. The disregulation that inflammation can cause, like suppressing your immune system, can directly affect the way you respond to treatment like antidepressants. 

 Related article- can physical therapy help with chronic pain

2.Hormonal effect of Cold therapy

Due to hormonal changes our body respond accordingly to the stimulus, stimulation like cold showers, cryotherapy, and cold baths releases hormone like dopamine which is a happy hormone in our body and deliberately converts our negative thoughts into positive one. Cold exposure causes prolonged release of dopamine

 another hormone which is adrenaline, is also released when exposed to cold can help us to gain increased level of energy and concentration. When our body is exposed to cold it produces heat through the response of shivering which in turns helps the body to improve its metabolism in a natural way. Exposing the body to cold on a safe and regular basis can increase the metabolic rate by about 16% 

Breathing Exercises Benefits:

Learning proper breath work technique can play a huge role in helping us learn to control and regulate our minds. Controlled breathing exercise helps to activate the parasympathetic nervous system which in turn relieve stress and makes us feel comfortable and increases happiness level, calms down the anxiety, fall out depression, improves sleep and boosting our mood naturally.

By consistently practizing cold exposure and breathing technique also reduces blood pressure and lowers the heart rate which aid to strengthen the immune system along with absorption of oxygen and nutrients into our cells to work more effectively.

When to use Ice and Heat Therapy ?

Ice is a common therapy used in physical therapy to reduce inflammation and numb pain. It is most commonly used for acute injuries to reduce swelling, pain, and inflammation. Ice is believed to control pain by instigating local anesthesia. If you have had a physical injury in the past 48 hours, an ice pack can help minimize swelling, reduce bleeding within tissues, as well as help relieve muscle spasms and pain. Ice treatments can also be used to treat chronic conditions, including overuse injuries in athletes (such as tendinitis, tendinosis, or bursitis).

Heat, on the other hand, helps relax muscles and stiff joints. While heat helps improve circulation and blood flow, ice reduces blood flow thereby reducing inflammation and swelling . Chronic (long-term) pain benefits from heat to relax tissues and stimulate blood flow. However, there are certain cases where chronic pain can also benefit from ice, such as after physical activity.

It is important to note that the use of ice or heat therapy should be done under the guidance of a licensed physical therapist or medical professional.

Benefits of Ice in Physical Therapy

some benefits of using ice in physical therapy:

1. Reduces swelling and inflammation: Ice helps to constrict blood vessels and reduce blood flow to the affected area, which can help to reduce swelling and inflammation.

2. Relieves pain: Ice can help to numb the affected area and reduce pain by slowing down nerve impulses.

3. Promotes healing: Ice can help to promote healing by increasing blood flow to the affected area, which can help to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the tissues.

4. Reduces muscle spasms: Ice can help to reduce muscle spasms by slowing down nerve impulses and reducing inflammation.

5. Improves range of motion: Ice can help to improve range of motion by reducing pain and inflammation, which can help to increase mobility. 

Related article- best muscle rub to relieve pain

Conclusion:

  I hope this article provides you information and helps you to overcome your mental and physical health and improve your quality life by 1% further detail about Wim Hof Method can easily be searched on internet and in a detail form. Always remember that You can be the best version of yourself