Publication of the Medical Rehabilitation is under the auspices of the Committee on Rehabilitation, Physical Education and Social Integration of the Polish Academy of Science

Medical Rehabilitation - quarterly journal

Volume 7 year 2003, Issue number 2

Whole-body cryotherapy

Authors: Robert Suszko

Medical Rehabilitation 2003; 7(2): 63-71

Whole-body cryotherapy

Krioterapia ogólnoustrojowa

Robert Suszko

5. Wojskowy Szpital Kliniczny w Krakowie

Key words

cryotherapy, biological effects, indications, contrindications, cryogenic chamber

Summary

Whole-body cryotherapy is one of physical therapy methods which rationale of application is based on body reaction to the stimulation of temperature lower than minus 100°C. A short cryostimulation time (2-3 min) and activation of only physical thermoregulation mechanisms make this method safe and well tolerated. The known effects of whole body cryotherapy are: analgetic action, myorelaxation and range of movement increasing of pathologically changed joints. Besides, this symptomatic action cryotherapy activates hypothalamus-suprarenal axis. For the time being the method is used mostly in rheumatic diseases and in sclerosis multiplex, with indication of absolutely necessary combining this method with kinesitherapy.

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Article

Medical Rehabilitation - quarterly journal

Volume 7 year 2003, Issue number 2