Principles Behind the Use of Rapid Cycling Hot & Cold Therapies

Hot and cold cycling therapy, also referred to as contrast therapy, has been used for hundreds of years. Therapists, chiropractors and sports medicine practitioners regularly use contrast therapy to complement other treatments. Although there are many methods of use, the principles supporting the use of rapid cycling temperature therapy prove it is an effective treatment for pain, swelling and tightness associated with disease process, injury or muscle overuse.

Effects on Pain Receptors

• The amygdala is the part of the brain responsible for regulating the signals traveling from the body to the brain. Because the brain can only be consciously aware of some signals received by the amygdala, it must sort through the signals and decide which to send to your conscious awareness. Your awareness of pain can thus be altered by flooding the brain with other signals from the same body part. This is, in part, the principal behind regulated breathing during labor and delivery. Therefore, when using hot and cold contrast therapy, the amygdala is inundated with hot and cold sensations, which override the majority of pain signals being sent to the brain, thus reducing pain sensation. Furthermore, after contrast therapy has ended, the soft tissue retains an altered temperature, providing prolonged pain relief.

Effects on Muscle Tissue and Circulation

• Application of heat increases blood flow in a process called vasodialiation, which can increase the presence of local cells that aid in tissue repair. Furthermore, heat decreases muscle tension that can result from injury. Conversely, cold therapy, or cryotherapy, stimulates vasoconstriction, which is the rapid tightening of blood vessels. Cryotherapy aids in reduction of pain and swelling. Therefore, cycling between the two therapies provides double the benefits: contrast treatment allows the recipient to recieve the benefits of both heat therapy and cryotherapy.

Other Effects

• Hot and cold contrast therapy can result in reduced creatine kinase, which has been identified as a part of the inflammation process. Thus, contrast therapy reduces swelling from injury, disease process or overuse. Furthermore, hot and cold cycling treatment reduces lactic acid buildup in muscle tissue after exercise or prolonged exertion. Lactic acid buildup contributes to soreness, tightness and muscle spasms. Using contrast therapy after extreme sports or strenuous activity can reduce the effects of overexertion and decrease healing time.