What is Cryotherapy?
The word cryotherapy comes from the Greek word ‘kryos’, or ‘frost’. It refers to the application of cold temperatures against the skin to reduce pain and it dates back millennia. When the extreme cold temperatures are in contact with the body, the hypothalamus reacts by releasing endorphins and norepinephrine to protect and repair. They block pain signals, boost our mood, energy, and the body’s antiinflammatory properties.
Using cryotherapy after shoulder surgery has become a popular choice as it is effective in reducing swelling and alleviating pain. If you are facing shoulder surgery, we are breaking down just how effective this postoperative technique is.
Following Your Doctor’s Recommendations
Following your shoulder surgery, your doctor will provide a guide to caring for the area. The recommendations may or may not include cryotherapy, depending on each individual’s particular case. For example, patients suffering from diabetes or with poor circulation might not be suitable candidates for it. Postoperative recommendations tend to be standard, although your surgeon will tailor them specifically to your needs.
If your doctor has given you the green light on cryotherapy after shoulder surgery, here are some recommendations.
Is There Such a Thing as Too Much Ice?
Indeed, you might overexpose your skin to ice, which will have negative effects. For instance, icing for too long can increase the risk of tissue damage and widening of the blood vessels—the complete opposite of the desired effect. Consequences like this happen because the body attempts to supply blood to the tissues.
If ice therapy prolongs too much, healing can stall. Whereas cryotherapy is beneficial at the beginning of the postoperative care process (reducing pain and swelling), it shouldn’t go on without an end date in the horizon. After a certain point, blood must flow freely for immune cells to access the wounded area and heal it.
What Happens When You Ice Too Little?
Not applying cold therapy might delay progress. However, there are no serious consequences of not applying ice enough, other than maybe feeling more acute pain and more swelling. When discussing postoperative care with your surgeon, make sure you establish how often and how long you will need cryotherapy after shoulder surgery.
What About Combining Cold & Heat Therapy?
If cold therapy promotes vasoconstriction, heat therapy induces the opening of blood vessels to improve circulation. In some cases, one is preferred over the other and, in some other cases, they are used alternatively. For example, Many agree that cryotherapy should be useful for managing pain and swelling during the first 48 to 72 hours.
If you are interested in learning more about what best will suit your case, you should ask your surgeon during your consultation.
Final Thoughts about Cryotherapy after Shoulder Surgery
At Ashford Orthopedic Specialists, we believe cryotherapy can do great things in terms of helping your recovery from shoulder surgery, be that arthroscopy or the traditional procedure. The application of cold therapy can be more traditional (a bag of ice), or you may get ice packs at the pharmacy store, or use cryotherapy machines. Which one suits your needs best is what you will discuss with Dr. Ashford and the team once your procedure is done. Treatment plans are carefully tailored to address the specific concerns of every patient, ensuring a comprehensive and customized approach.
Welcome to Ashford Orthopedic Specialists, where we are devoted to keeping you strong, one step at a time.
