Your safety, your decision and your welfare are our priority. Prior to starting any new therapy, it is important to know any of the known contraindications of this therapy, although you may not experience any adverse effects, if you have any of those below, check with your medical practitioner before starting your sessions.

Cryotherapy Contraindications

The following are contraindications to cold therapy. This means that if you have any of the conditions below then applying cold therapy may not be safe for you at this time. The following list is not exhaustive, and we recommend seeing your doctor for professional advice if you are in any doubt.

Contraindications

• Raynaud’s Phenomenon - A condition affecting small blood vessels in the extremities. Exposure to cold may cause a return in symptoms.
• Cold Hypersensitivity - There are many forms of cold hypersensitivity, which include:
  • Cold Urticaria - Also known as hives.
  • Categorised by a release of histamine during warming after a period of cooling, causing red, itchy welts on the skin.
  • Cold Erythema - A rash, characterised by redness and itching, caused by exposure to cold. Can cause severe pain and muscular spasms.
  • Cold Hemoglobinuria - When red blood cells break down so quickly that some haemoglobin cannot combine with blood proteins.
  • Anesthesia - When there is an area of numbness or altered sensitivity, cold therapy should not be used as pain and the degree of cooling cannot be felt by the patient.

Controversial conditions

The following conditions are considered controversial. They can be treated with cryotherapy, although extra care may be needed. Again, we recommend seeking professional advice if you are in any doubt.

• Cardiac Conditions - such as Arrythmia, Angina or CHD.
• High Blood Pressure - Vasoconstriction could serve to increase blood pressure.
• Healing Wounds - Cold therapy should not be used over a new open wound.
• Pregnant – Cryotherapy should not be used during pregnancy, at any stage