(krī‵ō-ther'ă-pē )

[cryo- + therapy]

1. The application of cold to a body part to decrease tissue temperature, and thereby to decrease cellular metabolism, improve cellular survival, decrease inflammation, decrease pain and muscle spasm, and promote vasoconstriction.

   SEE: illus.; table - Contraindications to the Topical Application of Cold to Musculoskeletal Injuries.

   SEE: illus.

2. Cryosurgery.