A Clinician’s Guide to Cryotherapy

Are you a physical therapist, athletic trainer, or chiropractor seeking to expand your knowledge and enhance your treatment strategies? This comprehensive online course is a guide to cryotherapy exploring the science and practical application of cryotherapy, equipping you with the tools and insights to confidently incorporate cold therapy into your practice.

Who is this course for?

  • Physical therapists are endeavoring to optimize patient recovery and manage pain effectively. 
  • Athletic trainers are striving to enhance athletic performance and accelerate rehabilitation. 
  • Chiropractors are seeking to expand their treatment modalities and address musculoskeletal conditions utilizing evidence-based techniques.

As a therapist…

Do you struggle to manage acute pain and swelling in your patients?

Cryotherapy provides a powerful and effective solution for reducing pain, minimizing inflammation, and promoting faster healing in acute injuries such as sprains, strains, and contusions. Learn how to leverage cold therapy to deliver immediate relief and support the recovery process. 

Are you looking for non-pharmacological methods to manage chronic pain conditions?

Cryotherapy has demonstrated promise in alleviating chronic pain related to conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia. Discover how to incorporate cold therapy into a comprehensive pain management strategy. 

Do you need a way to enhance range of motion and reduce muscle spasms?

Cryotherapy can help alleviate muscle spasms and stiffness, leading to improved range of motion and function. Learn how to effectively integrate cryotherapy into your manual therapy and exercise-based interventions. 

Are you aiming to optimize post-surgical recovery for your patients?

Cryotherapy can significantly decrease pain, swelling, and opioid use after surgery. Learn how to apply cryotherapy to accelerate recovery, minimize complications, and enhance patient satisfaction.

Learn about…

  • The historical development and progression of cryotherapy. Examine the intriguing evolution of cold treatment, tracing its historical origins to contemporary advanced methodologies. Comprehend how past methodologies have shaped contemporary research and applications. 
  • The physiological impacts of cold on the body: Acquire a profound comprehension of the effects of cryotherapy on the body at the cellular level. Investigate vasoconstriction, attenuation of inflammation, nerve conduction velocity, and pain modulation. Explore the scientific principles illustrating how cold can serve as an effective modality for enhancing healing and alleviating pain. 
  • The essential distinctions between cryotherapy and cryostimulation: Elucidate the distinctions between employing cold for therapeutic purposes versus prophylactic measures. Comprehend the efficient application of each method according to the patient’s condition and objectives. 
  • Multiple cryotherapy applications: Explore the practical implementation of various cryotherapy procedures, from ice packs to whole-body cryotherapy. Examine the advantages, constraints, and distinct protocols associated with each method. 
  • Recent studies and current discussions regarding the application of ice and the RICE protocol:  Remain informed about the contemporary scientific milieu. Analyze the evidence both endorsing and challenging the conventional RICE methodology, and get the knowledge necessary to make informed judgments regarding the application of ice in your practice.
  • Safe and effective dosing protocols, contraindications, and precautions: Ensure patient safety by understanding precise dosage techniques. Comprehend the potential hazards, contraindications, and necessary precautions to guarantee the safe and successful administration of cryotherapy. 
  • The combined advantages of integrating cryotherapy with compression treatments. Enhance treatment efficacy by mastering the integration of cryotherapy and compression techniques. Investigate the scientific principles underlying this potent combination and ascertain its capacity to improve lymphatic function, diminish swelling, and expedite recovery.

This course is for you if you are you looking to…

  • Acquire an enhanced comprehension of the scientific principles underlying cryotherapy. Advance beyond fundamental understanding and explore the intricate physiological mechanics of cold therapy. Understand the effects of cryotherapy on cellular physiology and how to utilize this information to enhance patient outcomes. 
  • Confidently implement diverse cryotherapy techniques in your practice: Evolve from a beginner to an adept practitioner. Excel in discerning the appropriate strategy for each patient, guaranteeing safe and effective implementation consistently. 
  • Enhance patient outcomes through the optimization of pain management and the acceleration of recovery. Arm yourself with the resources and expertise to effectuate a significant impact on your patients’ lives. Alleviate discomfort, diminish inflammation, and expedite the healing process, assisting your patients in restoring function and enhancing their quality of life. 
  • Remain informed about the most recent studies and optimal methodologies in cryotherapy: Exemplify leadership in your domain. Remain apprised of the latest research, protocols, and recommendations to guarantee the delivery of the most efficacious and evidence-based cryotherapy therapies. 
  • Utilize cryotherapy with assurance for analgesia and acute inflammation management: Exhibit confidence in decision-making while addressing patients with acute injuries, fibromyalgia, and neuropathic pain.

Your instructors Brian will discuss…

  • The nuances of applying cryotherapy to treat injuries and manage pain effectively.
  • How to differentiate between cryotherapy and whole body cryostimulation and apply each appropriately.
  • Methods of using ice for varying outcomes and effects
  • Strategies for integrating cryotherapy with compression techniques for enhanced results.
  • Best practices for implementing cryotherapy in your practice.

Do you need CEU credits but can’t find the time to go to a class?


Let online education help you out!

Learn at your own pace, in your ideal environment!

You’re a busy professional. You need to balance your career, home life and find time to continue your education.

As long as you have Internet access you can access the course from anywhere.

Advance your career in areas of focused study, geared towards your personal learning goals.

Becoming an expert takes time. It takes continuous study and practice. When you gain knowledge you are advancing your professional career. Online learning gives you the opportunity to focus on the skills you need.

Find topics that you enjoy.

Select topics that interest you. Topics that you find fascinating. Online distance learning allows you to find topics that might not be available locally.

Learn at your own pace.

Everyone has their own rhythm. Some people only need to hear a lecture once and take perfect notes, while others might need to listen more than once. Online learning gives you the option to repeat a lecture for maximum affect.

Are there Continuing Education Units (CEU)?

Athletic Trainers:

Structure and Function Education (BOC AP# P10069) is approved by the Board of Certification, Inc. to provide continuing education to Athletic Trainers. This program is approved for a maximum of 4.5 Category A CEUs. ATs should claim only those hours actually spent in the educational program.

Physical Therapists:

Texas Physical Therapy Association: Accredited Provider (APS#: 2606064TX); valid 7/1/23 to 6/30/26. This approval includes Physical Therapists and Physical Therapy Assistants for 4.5 CCU’s.

Chiropractors:

Structure and Function Education is a PACE Recognized Provider. This course is designated for 4.5 Continuing Education Units.

PACE is a division of the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards, and serves Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and Wyoming

Full Course description

What will you learn as a student in this Course?

  • How to explain the mechanisms of action of cryotherapy
  • How to effectively and appropriately apply cryotherapy
  • How to accurately apply cryotherapy with other modalities
  • How to avoid overdosing cryotherapy and potentially harming patients

What’s included in this course?

  • 4 lessons including, 2 hour of video
  • A complete downloadable transcript for you to follow along.
  • 16 article readings
  • Course completion quiz

Reading materials

All reading materials are downloaded through PubMed free PMC.

  1. Allan R, Malone J, Alexander J, Vorajee S, Ihsan M, Gregson W, Kwiecien S, Mawhinney C. Cold for centuries: a brief history of cryotherapies to improve health, injury and post-exercise recovery. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2022 May;122(5):1153-1162. doi: 10.1007/s00421-022-04915-5. Epub 2022 Feb 23. PMID: 35195747; PMCID: PMC9012715.
  2. https://www.jscimedcentral.com/jounal-article-info/Annals-of-Sports-Medicine-and-Research/The-Use-of-Cryotherapy-in-Acute-Sports-Injuries-4282
  3. Wang ZR, Ni GX. Is it time to put traditional cold therapy in rehabilitation of soft-tissue injuries out to pasture? World J Clin Cases. 2021 Jun 16;9(17):4116-4122. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v9.i17.4116. PMID: 34141774; PMCID: PMC8173427.
  4. https://ijspt.scholasticahq.com/article/74273-is-it-the-end-of-the-ice-age
  5. Long BC, Jutte LS. 21st Century Attacks on Cryotherapy in Sports Health Care—Clinician Beware. Athletic Training & Sports Health Care. 2020;12(3):99-101. doi:10.3928/19425864-20200401-02
  6. Liang Z, Ding Z, Wang D, Guo Y, Zhu L, Luo Z, Li L. Cryotherapy for Rehabilitation After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Orthop Surg. 2024 Dec;16(12):2897-2915. doi: 10.1111/os.14266. Epub 2024 Oct 14. PMID: 39402654; PMCID: PMC11608804.
  7. Yang JH, Hwang KT, Lee MK, Jo S, Cho E, Lee JK. Comparison of a Cryopneumatic Compression Device and Ice Packs for Cryotherapy Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction. Clin Orthop Surg. 2023 Apr;15(2):234-240. doi: 10.4055/cios21246. Epub 2022 Aug 26. PMID: 37008961; PMCID: PMC10060780.
  8. Garcia C, Karri J, Zacharias NA, Abd-Elsayed A. Use of Cryotherapy for Managing Chronic Pain: An Evidence-Based Narrative. Pain Ther. 2021 Jun;10(1):81-100. doi: 10.1007/s40122-020-00225-w. Epub 2020 Dec 14. PMID: 33315183; PMCID: PMC8119547.
  9. Cryotherapy short-term use relieves pain, improves function and quality of life in individuals with knee osteoarthritis – randomized controlled trial a.  Dantas, L.O. et al.Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, Volume 25, S174
  10. Legrand FD, Dugué B, Costello J, Bleakley C, Miller E, Broatch JR, Polidori G, Lubkowska A, Louis J, Lombardi G, Bieuzen F, Capodaglio P. Evaluating safety risks of whole-body cryotherapy/cryostimulation (WBC): a scoping review from an international consortium. Eur J Med Res. 2023 Sep 28;28(1):387. doi: 10.1186/s40001-023-01385-z. Erratum in: Eur J Med Res. 2024 Mar 12;29(1):158. doi: 10.1186/s40001-024-01725-7. PMID: 37770960; PMCID: PMC10537204.
  11. Consensus Declaration On Whole Body Cryotherapy
  12. Kunkle, Bryce F. BS; Kothandaraman, Venkatraman BS; Goodloe, Jonathan B. MD; Curry, Emily J. MPH; Friedman, Richard J. MD; Li, Xinning MD; Eichinger, Josef K. MD. Orthopaedic Application of Cryotherapy: A Comprehensive Review of the History, Basic Science, Methods, and Clinical Effectiveness. JBJS Reviews 9(1):p e20.00016, January 2021. | DOI: 10.2106/JBJS.RVW.20.00016
  13. Block JE. Cold and compression in the management of musculoskeletal injuries and orthopedic operative procedures: a narrative review. Open Access J Sports Med. 2010 Jul 7;1:105-13. doi: 10.2147/oajsm.s11102. PMID: 24198548; PMCID: PMC3781860.
  14. Sari Z, Aydoğdu O, Demirbüken İ, Yurdalan SU, Polat MG. A Better Way to Decrease Knee Swelling in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Single-Blind Randomised Controlled Trial. Pain Res Manag. 2019 May 2;2019:8514808. doi: 10.1155/2019/8514808. PMID: 31191790; PMCID: PMC6525802.
  15.  Martin, J.S., Borges, A.R. & Beck, D.T. Peripheral conduit and resistance artery function are improved following a single, 1-h bout of peristaltic pulse external pneumatic compression. Eur J Appl Physiol 115, 2019–2029 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-015-3187-8
  16. Winke M, Williamson S. Comparison of a Pneumatic Compression Device to a Compression Garment During Recovery from DOMS. Int J Exerc Sci. 2018 May 1;11(3):375-383. doi: 10.70252/YXDX1767. PMID: 29795729; PMCID: PMC5955306.

Register Now for this course

Meet Your Instructor(s)

Brian Hortz, PhD AT

Born in Camden, NJ, Brian received a B.A. in physical education with a concentration in sports medicine from Denison University, a masters degree in sports medicine from Ohio University and his doctoral degree in Exercise Science from Ohio State University. Dr. Hortz is an Instructor and the Director of Research and Education for Structure & Function Education. He has been teaching with Structure & Function Education for several years. Dr. Hortz teaches the Foundations and Advanced courses. In addition to his work with Structure & Function Education, he also has a concierge practice and continues to work one-on-one with athletes to make them well.

Pricing Information

Just this Course

$ 200.00

One Time

  • 1 Year access
  • Limited community access

Monthly Subscription

$ 19.99

Monthly

  • Total cost $240 per year.
  •  3-day free trial!
  •  Monthly membership.
  •  Cancel any time!
  •  Access to all online classes!
  •  Access to class discussions.
  •  Access to the subscriber only community.
  •  Live Q&A sessions with Sue, Brian and other S&F Education instructors.
  • Full community access

Yearly Subscription

$ 199.00

Annually

  • Save $40 over the monthly cost
  •  3-day free trial!
  •  Yearly membership.
  •  Cancel any time!
  •  Access to all online classes!
  •  Access to class discussions.
  •  Access to the subscriber only community.
  •  Live Q&A sessions with Sue, Brian and other S&F Education instructors.
  • Full community access

Satisfaction Guarantee

If you aren’t satisfied with the course within the first 30 days after your first payment but before you have taken the final exam, you can get a refund. We’ll cancel the course immediately upon your refund request and issue the refund to your credit card though our processor Stripe.

Frequently Asked Questions

P.S

If you want to help your patients manage pain through effective cryotherapy use then this course is for you. 

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