-ICE THERAPY-
Ice therapy (cryotherapy) can be used immediately after strenuous physical activity to control inflammation and edema, reduce muscle spasticity (tightness), and pain control.
During strenuous activity, body tissues suffer from subtle tears. This is called microtrauma. Microtrauma is natural and a normal aspect of working out and building muscle, but it can lead to local pain and uncontrolled inflammation. Simple techniques such as ice therapy, when used properly, can reduce these symptoms, prevent further tissue damage, and allow for a faster return to activity.
There are four stages of sensation experienced during ice therapy:
1) Cold
2) Burning
3) Aching
4) Numbness
Ice therapy achieves its goals by initially constricting blood vessels in the treated area, slowing the blood supply. This decrease in blood flow accompanied by the cold temperature of the ice decrease heat in the area, therefore putting a halt to inflammation. After removal of the ice, blood flow will gradually return to normal levels. The subsequent numbness from the prolonged ice treatment will also work to control pain, which results from the tissue microtrauma and inflammation. This numbness results from a decrease in nerve conduction velocity associated with the treated area. Another common response to microtrauma and inflammation is increased muscle tone in the affected area. Muscles are activated by the brain in an attempt to restrict movement in the inflamed area, therefore preventing further swelling. Ice therapy effectively loosens the overactive muscles and, in conjunction with its other effects, allows for more pain-free movement of the affected area and proper healing.
!GOOD LUCK MAROONS!