Cryotherapy is a modality that uses superficial cold temperatures to help modulate pain associated with musculoskeletal disorders. Pain modulation is thought to occur due to a decrease in nerve conduction velocity. Following the application of cryotherapy, therapeutic exercise can be prescribed to address limited range of motion in a less painful manor. Unfortunately, different parameters and types of applications of cryotherapy have been reported in the literature. The purpose of this literature review is to examine the efficacy of cryotherapy in helping to facilitate pain modulation. Appropriate parameters and applications of cryotherapy will be discussed.
