Clinical Evolution and Safety of a Cryotherapy - Based Spray for Mild to Moderate Joint and Muscle Pain: A Descriptive Observational Study.

Abstract

Background: Cryotherapy, long used for its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects, is widely applied in sports medicine, physiotherapy, and postoperative care. Advances in cryotherapy methods, including the use of topical vapocoolant sprays, offer enhanced pain management and support recovery from musculoskeletal injuries by alleviating pain and reducing swelling in a targeted manner.

Hypothesis/purpose: The primary aim was to assess both immediate and sustained pain relief in subjects with mild to moderate musculoskeletal complaints.

Study design: Observational cohort study.

Methods: Fifty-nine participants with mild to moderate musculoskeletal pain participated in a three-week observational study evaluating a cryotherapy spray. Pain and range of motion (ROM) were assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and goniometer measurements at multiple time points, including T-1 (before treatment), T0 (beginning of treatment), T2-min, T5-min, T10-min, T15-min, T30-min, T60-min, T7-days, T14-days, while participants were actively receiving treatment exclusively with the cryotherapy spray, and T21-days (1 week after treatment cessation). Acceptability Test and additional subjective questionnaires evaluated participants analysis of cooling sensation and product tolerance. Data were analyzed using Cumulative Logit Mixed Models (CLMM) and the non-parametric Friedman test for repeated measures.

Results: The cryotherapy spray significantly reduced pain (VAS) from baseline (p < 0.001, Hedges' g = -1.90) and improved joint mobility (ROM) with derived scores increasing from 3 (3-4) to 4 (4-4) by Day 21 (p < 0.001). Rapid pain relief was reported by 35% of participants within 10 seconds, with 80% experiencing relief within three minutes. Comfort ratings were consistently high, with 95% of participants expressing satisfaction at Day 0, rising to 99% by Day 14. Global efficacy satisfaction measured by a subjective Likert scale also increased from 75% at baseline to 95% by Day 14. No adverse events were reported.

Conclusion: This study supports the effectiveness of the cryotherapy spray in reducing pain and improving joint mobility, with both immediate and sustained benefits. High patient satisfaction and a favorable safety profile suggest its potential for clinical use. Further controlled studies could confirm its efficacy in broader populations.

Level of evidence: Level 3.