Therapeutic modalities and procedures. Part I: Cold and Heat.

Abstract

Therapeutic cold, or cryotherapy, has the cooling of the tissues as its primary effect. Based on the mode of application and duration of exposure, the basic physiologic effects are sedation, refrigeration, and the possibility of tissue destruction, Therapeutic heat is usually applied for two physical effects: superficial heat and deep heat. Hyperemia, sedation, and analgesia are the primary effects.