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Cryotherapy May Help Pain
Full Title
Does Cryotherapy Improve Outcomes With Soft Tissue Injury?
Summary
This review analyzed 22 clinical trials to assess the effectiveness of cryotherapy (ice treatments) for acute soft tissue injuries and post-surgery recovery. Results showed that ice can help reduce pain, especially after surgery, and may lower swelling when combined with compression. However, the studies reviewed were generally low in quality, used different methods and durations, and rarely looked at common injuries like muscle strains. Some evidence suggested that compression might be as effective as ice, and combining ice with exercises or compression may offer the most benefit. Overall, more high-quality research is needed to confirm how and when cryotherapy should be used.