The therapeutic application of cold, or cryotherapy, is a modality used to control inflammation, modulate pain, and augment muscle performance. Cryotherapy's effect on muscle performance is utilized in athletics, acute musculoskeletal injuries, and post-operative therapy. Unfortunately, the way in which cryotherapy is applied varies, along with therapeutic testing and effectiveness. This presentation is a review of the scientific studies conducted with respect to the therapeutic effects that cryotherapy may have on muscle performance. Appropriate parameters and the techniques used in the literature will be discussed and compared.
