Özet:

The reduction of initial edema and pain should be a primary objective in the treatment of sports injuries. Cryotherapy is use of cold to decrease swelling and pain when tissue is damaged secondary to trauma. Although cryotherapy has been used for years by some practioners to achieve these goals, it is gaining wider acceptance in sports medicine for acute and even rehabilitative care. This article reviews the physiologic effects of cold, various techniques of cold application, clinical applications in sport injuries and contrendications to cold therapy