Cryotherapy is considered one of the most effective treatments for the rehabilitation of various types of injuries to muscle and joint tissues. However, this does not mean that it is 100% safe and risk-free. The reality is that by handling such low temperatures, it is normal that some organisms do not react in a good way, even in cases where its application is localized.
In addition, it is not only used in the recovery of sports injuries in muscles and joints. Its application is much broader, being used even for the treatment of malignant lesions in the cervix, renal and liver lesions, and even for prostate problems. In any case, the most notable risks are the following:
As it is a percutaneous treatment, there may be bleeding in the area of application or in internal tissues such as the liver if it is applied in the abdominal area.
There may be damage to the organic tissues in which it is applied; such as lesions in the bile ducts of the liver, in the kidney urine collection systems, the rectum in case it is applied in the prostate, and even in the intestine if it is applied in the pelvic area.
If applied in the thoracic region , it can generate fluid in the area around the lungs, and even lead to lung collapse, which could seriously endanger the patient’s life.
If applied in the wrong way, it can cause nerve damage which will cause numbness and tingling in the muscle or area of the body where it is applied.
If applied for the treatment of cervical lesions, there may be injury from freezing of the vagina.
This should not generate rejection towards the application of this method since it is actually a highly effective therapy due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. But it should make you aware that it should always be carried out by a specialist, especially if extreme temperatures are used.