The ice storm: a systematic review of cryotherapy in the treatment of musculoskeletal injury or dysfunction
Item
- Title
- The ice storm: a systematic review of cryotherapy in the treatment of musculoskeletal injury or dysfunction
- Author(s)
- Gray Michael
- Abstract
- The aim of this study was to investigate, through a systematic review, the use of cold application - cryotherapy - in the treatment of musculoskeletal injury or dysfunction. To provide a relevant context to such a study the historical and more recent physiological theories behind its use were outlined. Also, the proposed clinical effects of these theories and the use of cold by osteopaths were highlighted. These were contrasted with the confusion that seems to cloud much of the practice of cryotherapy . The use of cold to reduce pain and swelling and improve mobility in patients following knee surgery was chosen as the area of review. This was because the majority of relevant clinical studies have been undertaken in this area and cold application is a widely used treatment modality in such a situation. Fourteen research trials fitted the review’s inclusion criteria. Nine trials claimed “positive” outcomes for the use of cold and five claimed “negative” outcomes. The reduction of pain was the most prevalent positive finding. Despite these results, systematic analysis showed many methodological weaknesses especially in the “positive” trials. It was therefore concluded that the trials did not show any convincing evidence for the efficacy of cold despite its wide acceptance as an effective treatment in this particular situation. Such an outcome casts doubt on the efficacy of cold in other clinical scenarios, including those encountered by osteopaths. Much more high quality research is required to clarify the current position.
- Abstract
- presented at
- British School of Osteopathy
- Date Accepted
- 2000
- Date Submitted
- 31.7.2000 00:00:00
- Type
- undergraduate_project
- Language
- English
- Submitted by:
- 62
- Pub-Identifier
- 12142
- Inst-Identifier
- 780
- Keywords
- Systematic Reviews,Musculoskeletal Disorders,Cold Treatment,Cryotherapy
- Recommended
- 0
- Item sets
- Thesis
Gray Michael, “The ice storm: a systematic review of cryotherapy in the treatment of musculoskeletal injury or dysfunction”, Osteopathic Research Web, accessed April 28, 2024, https://www.osteopathicresearch.com/s/orw/item/2305