What is the therapeutic use of cold in medical treatment known as?

The therapeutic use of cold in medical treatment is known as cryotherapy. This term is used to describe the application of cold temperatures to the body for therapeutic purposes, such as reducing inflammation, managing pain, and facilitating the healing process after injuries. Cryotherapy can include methods such as ice packs, cold compresses, or whole-body cryo chambers.

In contrast, thermotherapy refers to the use of heat in medical treatment, while hypothermia treatment involves actively cooling the body to treat overheating or certain medical conditions. Heat therapy is specifically focused on increasing temperature to alleviate pain or improve circulation, which further distinguishes it from cryotherapy. Understanding these distinctions is important for proper treatment modalities in sports medicine and rehabilitation.