Ian,
I hope this can help.
In a recent review of cryotherapy the author concludes:
"Cryotherapy can reduce pain. But, there is impairment of reflex
activity and motor function after ice treatment and players
may be more susceptible to injury for up to 30 minutes follow-
ing treatment. Ice may also impair proprioception. Ice should
not be applied for long periods over superficial nerves due to
the risk of nerve damage. Ice applied directly to the skin may
produce ice burns but using a protective barrier can reduce
the potential for such burns. A damp cloth barrier is ideal
while cold is not conducted through padded elastic bandages.
Repeated applications of ice appear to help sustain the reduced
muscle temperature without compromising the skin, and skin
and superficial temperature can return to normal while deeper
muscle temperature remains low."
Mac Auley DC. Ice Therapy: How Good is the Evidence? Int J
Sports Med 2001; 22: 379±384
Introduction
Domhnall C. Mac Auley, is from a university in Ulster in Northern
Ireland. He tried to summarize information from 58 studies about
cryotherapy.
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