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Canine Thermotherapy
and Cryotherapy Treatments
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Hot and Cold Treatments
Thermotherapy
Thermotherapy is the use of
superficial heat in the form of hot packs and infrared heat lamps over
an injured area of the body to help decrease pain and swelling and to increase
stretch. Thermotherapy is applied to tissues only after the acute
phase of inflammation is complete. Heating of soft tissues prior to
stretching allows for greater extensibility of collagenous tissues.
Superficial heat therapy is typically used after the first 2-3 days
post-injury. It is often used in conjunction with cryotherapy.
It has the following benefits:
Increases blood flow and decreases pain
Increases enzyme activity (which speeds healing).
Increases muscle contractility and stretching capability
Heat therapy should not be used during the acute inflammatory phase
of an injury (first 72 hours).
Heat
a. Place a towel between pack and skin to prevent irritation
b. Moist heat is best. Some ideas include: towels
immersed in warm water and wrung out or
rice in a tube sock and microwaved (be very careful
of burns with this technique)
c. Do not apply in the first 72 hours post op as this can
increase inflammation and swelling
d. Begin on day 4 or 5 before ROM (Range Of Motion) exercises
to warm up the tissues and
relax the muscles
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Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is the use of cold
packs (e.g. a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel) held over the injury
site to reduce swelling. Cryotherapy is beneficial in the acute phase
of tissue injury and inflammation following surgery, after exercise, and
throughout rehabilitation when inflammation occurs.
Cryotherapy is typically used
alone during the first 24-72 hours post-surgery or injury (the acute inflammation
period). After that, it is often used in conjunction with heat therapy.
Cryotherapy has the following benefits:
Decreases pain (by decreasing the nerve conduction velocity)
Decreases inflammation
Causes a localized decrease in blood flow followed by an increase in
blood flow.
Cryotherapy
(icing)
a. Ice pack ideas include bag of frozen peas, commercial
therapeutic ice packs, or make your own with 1 part isopropyl alcohol to
2 parts water in heavy duty ziplock bag.
b. Place a towel between ice pack and the skin to prevent
irritation
c. Ice for 15-20 minutes as indicated
The above information is simply informational.
It's intent is not to replace the advice of a veterinarian nor to assist
you in making a diagnosis of your pet. Please consult with your own veterinarian
for confirmation of any diagnosis. Your pets life may depend on it.
