Cold therapy as a method of treating trauma
For many years, cold therapy has existed as a method of treating trauma, however the benefits and efficacy have not always been known. It was not until the 1990s, that scientists discovered the benefits of using an intense cold, which would abruptly lower the surface temperature in a very short time.
Traditional methods of cold treatment, such as ice packs, cold hosing and cold spray are insufficient in inducing lasting effects within the body. It is only by using temperatures below -60oC, that thermal shock will be triggered, thus inducing a lasting reaction.
The gun produces a spray of Carbon Dioxide at a temperature of -78oC and 50 bars pressure. It is this combination, that abruptly lowers the skin temperature, therefore inducing thermal shock. This inturn triggers a bio-chemical response from the brain, allowing the body to 'treat' itself.
There are four physiological effects of cryotherapy
Analgesic effect - immediate pain relief, via the inhibition of pain receptors
Anti-inflammatory effect - the enzymes, which cause inflammation, are regulated and their production is suppressed.
Vasomotor Effect - vasoconstriction, coupled with a high gas pressure has a massaging and draining effect on the tissue, giving a rapid result in the treatment of oedema and haematoma. The vasodilation then produces an increase in circulatory flow and a decrease in histamine, lactic acid and fibrin.
Myo-relaxant effect - The cumulative effect of a very low temperature, high pressure and sonic wave vibrations relaxes the muscle fibres.
