Cold therapy or cryotherapy, works by temporarily reducing nerve activity and decreasing blood flow to the wounded area. This process significantly reduces inflammation and swelling that causes pain.
There are different applications, the most common one is applying an ice pack or cold pack directly to the affected area. Although you can apply the ice pack several times a day, it should not be applied for more than 20 minutes at a time.
As with all treatments, there are some precautions in applying ice for this therapy.
Cold therapy is generally helpful during the first 48 hours after an injury that strains the back muscles. Afterward, heat therapy will be more beneficial to the healing process. For some, alternating heat therapy and this therapy provides the most pain relief.