Thermotherapy/Cryotherapy | Gaia Wholistic

Thermotherapy & Cryotherapy

Thermotherapy

Thermotherapy for animals involves the targeted application of heat to specific regions of the body for therapy. It can be applied through a range of different methods such as infrared, ultrasound, heat packs and moist heat (e.g. warm, damp towels). Following advice from the rehabilitation therapist, this modality can be performed where necessary to relax muscles e.g. on specific muscle groups with trigger points or spasms. It also helps to relieve pain from rheumatoid arthritis.

Some common areas that benefit from thermotherapy are the scapular, elbow, or carpal for the front limbs, and hip, stifle, and hocks for the hind limbs. Additionally, it is often used as part of a daily homecare routine for pets with spinal problems to improve blood circulation and Qi flow.

Always test the temperature of the heating device on your inner wrist for 30 seconds to ensure that it is comfortably warm, not scorching, before applying it to your pet. Thermotherapy should be applied for about 15 minutes at each site and can be repeated every six to eight hours as needed according to the severity of the condition. It is NOT recommended over acute injuries or directly over fresh surgical sites for the first three to five days.

Benefits of thermotherapy:

Reduces muscle spasm
Reduces joint stiffness
Reduces edematous of limbs
Reduces tension built up in trigger points
Increases blood circulation and Qi flow
Pain relief via the gate-control mechanism for chronic conditions
Increased elasticity of connective tissues such as tendons, ligaments, fascias

Cryotherapy

This modality is essentially the application of an ice pack, or towel moistened with ice water, to target regions. It must be noted that the use of cold whirlpools or ice cold baths is not advisable for rehabilitation therapy. Following advice from the rehabilitation therapist, this modality can be performed where necessary to bring down inflammation e.g. on specific muscle groups with trigger points or spasms.

Cryotherapy can be applied on regions of acute injury and post-surgical sites. Each application should never exceed 20 minutes and direct application to the skin must be strictly avoided as it could cause ice burns. Depending on the situation, it can be performed as often as every four to six hours. In the case of acute injury or inflammation, it is recommended that cryotherapy be applied for three to five days for localised swelling to subside. Short-term (around 10 minutes) application stimulates the nerves, while long-term (around 20 minutes) application can induce temporary numbing — an effect similar to that of anesthesia — by reducing nerve conductivity.

Benefits of cryotherapy:

Induces temporary analgesia
Anti-inflammatory effect
Antispasmodic effect (for acute injuries)
Vasoconstriction and decreases metabolism/blood flow
Reabsorption of swelling