A bitnippy? French midfielder Élodie Thomis in a cryotherapy chamber
Cryotherapy is the use of cold temperatures to aid recovery or treat injuries. Cold therapy is useful after intense exercise, as it can alleviate most aches and pains. Cooling the surface of the skin using ice gives pain relief and causes vasoconstriction of the blood vessels, which decreases blood flow and reduces any bleeding or swelling. A decrease in swelling (oedema) allows the muscle to have more movement.
Ice can also reduce muscle spasms by decreasing motor activity, as the speed of a nerve impulse slows down in cold conditions.
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