Swenson C, Swärd L, Karlsson J
Department of Orthopaedics, Ostra University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden.
Scand J Med Sci Sports. 1996 Aug;6(4):193-200. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0838.1996.tb00090.x.
The use of cryotherapy, i.e. the application of cold for the treatment of injury or disease, is widespread in sports medicine today. It is an established method when treating acute soft tissue injuries, but there is a discrepancy between the scientific basis for cryotherapy and clinical studies. Various methods such as ice packs, ice towels, ice massage, gel packs, refrigerant gases and inflatable splints can be used. Cold is also used to reduce the recovery time as part of the rehabilitation programme both after acute injuries and in the treatment of chronic injuries. Cryotherapy has also been shown to reduce pain effectively in the post-operative period after reconstructive surgery of the joints. Both superficial and deep temperature changes depend on the method of application, initial temperature and application time. The physiological and biological effects are due to the reduction in temperature in the various tissues, together with the neuromuscular action and relaxation of the muscles produced by the application of cold. Cold increases the pain threshold, the viscosity and the plastic deformation of the tissues but decreases the motor performance. The application of cold has also been found to decrease the inflammatory reaction in an experimental situation. Cold appears to be effective and harmless and few complications or side-effects after the use of cold therapy are reported. Prolonged application at very low temperatures should, however, be avoided as this may cause serious side-effects, such as frost-bite and nerve injuries. Practical applications, indications and contraindications are discussed.
冷冻疗法，即应用低温来治疗损伤或疾病，如今在运动医学中应用广泛。在治疗急性软组织损伤时，这是一种既定的方法，但冷冻疗法的科学依据与临床研究之间存在差异。可以使用各种方法，如冰袋、冰毛巾、冰按摩、凝胶袋、制冷剂气体和充气夹板。在急性损伤后的康复计划以及慢性损伤的治疗中，低温也被用于缩短恢复时间。冷冻疗法还被证明在关节重建手术后的术后阶段能有效减轻疼痛。体表和深部温度的变化取决于应用方法、初始温度和应用时间。其生理和生物学效应是由于各种组织温度的降低，以及应用低温所产生的神经肌肉作用和肌肉松弛。低温会提高疼痛阈值、增加组织的粘度和塑性变形，但会降低运动表现。在实验情况下，应用低温还被发现可减轻炎症反应。低温疗法似乎有效且无害，使用后报告的并发症或副作用很少。然而，应避免在极低温度下长时间应用，因为这可能会导致严重的副作用，如冻伤和神经损伤。文中还讨论了实际应用、适应症和禁忌症。
