The role of cold therapy

Rapid local constriction of blood vessels

Local metabolism is reduced and metabolic function is regulated

Reduce acute inflammation

Slow down nerve conduction - Slow down motor and sensory nerve conduction

Reduce spasms because:

Decreased muscle spindle activity - Decreased the release rate of type Ⅰa and Ⅱ afferent fibers.

Reduce the activity of Golgi tendon organs -- reduce the release rate of Ⅰb afferent fibers.

Lehmann's (1990) study evaluated the effects of prolonged use of cold cooling on the calf muscles and found that the elastic stiffness of the muscles decreased by 3% to 10%.

Reduces pain/muscle spasms - raises neuralgia threshold

While reducing tissue elasticity, it increases tissue viscosity

Temporary increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure

Releases a vasoactive substance (histamine) that helps repair damaged fibrous tissue