Cryotherapy (cooling) has which effect?

• A. Raises tissue temperatures
• B. Lowers tissue temperatures
• C. Increases physiologic activity
• D. No change in tissue temperature

Answer: (B)

Cryotherapy lowers tissue temperatures. Applying cold draws heat away from the tissues, causing cooling of superficial and deeper structures. This cooling triggers vasoconstriction, reducing blood flow and swelling after injury. It also slows cellular metabolism and chemical reactions, so the tissue’s metabolic demands drop. Nerve conduction velocity decreases with lower temperatures, helping to lessen pain signals and muscle spasm. So the overall effect is a reduction in tissue temperature, not an increase, and not no change. This is the opposite of what heat therapy would do, which would raise temperatures and potentially increase metabolic activity.