Description

Treatment with cold (cryotherapy) can have several beneficial effects, especially in the first 48 hours following injury. However, certain conditions may serve as contraindications to its use.


 

Contraindications to use of cold treatment:

(1) cold hypersensitivity due to

(1a) Raynaud's phenomenon (absolute contraindication)

(1b) cold urticaria

(1c) cryoglobulinemia

(1d) paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria

(2) circulatory insufficiency

(3) anesthetic skin

(4) severe cardiopulmonary disease

 

If one or more contraindications are present, then the person should be re-evaluated for the likelihood of complications. If significant, alternative treatment modalities should be considered.

 


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