What does cryotherapy typically involve in medical treatment?

Cryotherapy in medical treatment typically involves the application of cold to achieve therapeutic effects. This method leverages the natural response of the body to cold exposure, which can include reduced blood flow, numbing of the affected area, and decreased inflammation. By applying cold, cryotherapy can help alleviate pain, reduce swelling, and accelerate the healing process in various conditions such as sports injuries or post-surgical recovery.

This technique is often used in different forms, such as ice packs, cold compresses, or specialized cryotherapy machines, which aim to improve patient outcomes by promoting faster recovery and providing pain relief. The other options, such as using heat applications, physical rehabilitation, and medication management, involve different therapeutic approaches and do not align with the fundamental principles of cryotherapy.