Effectiveness of cryo-compression therapy in preoperative and postoperative orthopaedic patients: A case study

Shantha Kumar^1*, Sugendhiran. C²

¹Orthopaedic surgeon, Kauvery Hospital, Hosur, Tamil Nadu

²Senior Physiotherapist, Kauvery Hospital, Hosur, Tamil Nadu

*Correspondence

Abstract

Cold compression therapy, which combines cold therapy with intermittent compression, has gained attention as an effective modality for managing pain and edema in orthopaedic patients. This case study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of cryo-compression therapy in both preoperative and postoperative phase. A patient with orthopaedic pathology undergoing surgical intervention received cryo-compression therapy alongside standard physiotherapy care. Clinical outcomes, including pain, edema, and range of motion, were assessed. The findings suggest that cryo-compression therapy contributes to significant pain reduction, improved edema control, and enhanced functional recovery. This modality may offer advantages over conventional cryo-therapy and can be considered as part of routine orthopedic rehabilitation.

Key words: Cold compression therapy; Edema control

Introduction

Orthopaedic patients commonly experience pain, swelling, edema, and reduced mobility particularly in the preoperative and postoperative periods. Conventional Ice pack therapy is widely used as a standard treatment; however, it has several limitations, including the lack of compression and inconsistent cooling, the need for prolonged therapist or patient application time. Cryo-compression therapy combines controlled cooling with intermittent compression, offering improved fluid management, enhanced circulation, and effective pain reduction. Despite its potential benefits, there is limited evidence regarding its combined application in both preoperative and postoperative settings.

Aim

To evaluate the effectiveness of Cryo -compression therapy in reducing pain and edema in preoperative and postoperative orthopedic patients.

Objectives

To assess pain reduction using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)
To evaluate changes in edema
To assess improvement in range of motion (ROM)
To observe functional mobility outcomes

Case Presentation

Age	Above 25 years
Gender	Male / Female
Diagnosis	Knee and shoulder osteoarthritis / fractures / ligament injuries.
Planned surgery	Total Knee Replacement (TKR), Open Reduction and Internal Fixation(ORIF), and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)posterior cruciate ligament ( PCL)and medial collateral ligament (MCL) Reconstruction)

Clinical findings

Pain	Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score - 7/10
Swelling	Edema present
Range of Motion(ROM)	Reduced
Mobility	Difficulty in functional mobility

Intervention

Preoperative phase

Cryo-compression therapy was administered during the prior to surgery:

Duration	20-30 minutes per session
Frequency	2-3 Times per day
Total duration	3-5 days

Postoperative phase

Cryo-compression therapy was continued after surgery

Duration	20 minutes per session
Frequency	2-3 times per day

Along with

In addition to cryo-compression therapy, the following physiotherapy interventions were implemented

Breathing exercise
Range of motion (ROM) Exercise
Muscle strengthening exercise
Early mobilization

Outcome measures

Pain	Visual analogue scale (VAS)
Swelling	Limb girth measurement
Range of Motion (ROM)	Assessed using a Goniometer
Function	Basic mobility (walking transfers)

Results

Preoperative Phase

Pain reduced from 7 – 4 to 4/10
Swelling reduced
Patient was more comfortable before surgery

Postoperative

Pain reduced from 6/10 to 3/10
Significant reduction in edema
Improved Range of Motion (ROM)
Early ambulation achieved

Time line	Pain (VAS)	Swelling	Function
On admission	8/10	High	Fully dependent due to pain
Pre-op Day 1	6/10	High	Limited mobility
Post-op Day 2	5/10	Reduced	Moderate independence
At discharge	2/10	Reduced	Independent with minimal support

Discussion

Cryo-compression therapy provides effective pain relief and improved edema control in orthopaedic patients. The combined application of cold therapy and intermittent compression offers synergistic benefits that enhance postoperative and preoperative recovery. Compared with conventional cryotherapy, this modality enables deeper tissue colling and improved physiological responses.

Mechanism of action: The therapeutic effects of cryo-compression therapy can be attributed to the following mechanisms

Vasoconstriction, which helps reduce local blood flow, inflammation, and pain

In addition, intermittent compression, enhances lymphatic drainage and venous return, thereby reducing edema and preventing fluid accumulation in the affected tissues.

Comparison with ice pack

Compared to conventional ice pack therapy, cryo-compression provides more consistent and controlled cooling along with the added benefit of compression. Ice pack primarily offers superficial cooling without addressing fluid accumulation effectively . In contrast, cryo-compression improves both pain management and edema control, while also enhancing patient comfort and compliance.

Conclusion

Cryo-compression therapy is an effective modality for reducing pain and swelling in both preoperative and postoperative orthopaedic patients, it contributes to faster recovery, improved functional outcomes, and enhanced patient comfort. incorporating this therapy into routine rehabilitation protocols may provide superior clinical benefits compared to traditional cryotherapy methods.

Reference

Knight KL .cry-otherapy in sports injury management .champaign :Human kinetics-1995.
Wilk KE, Reinold MM. Andrews JR. The use of cryo-therapy in orthopedic rehabilitation. J Ortho Sports physical therapist 2003

Effectiveness of cryo-compression therapy in preoperative and postoperative orthopaedic patients: A case study

Effectiveness of cryo-compression therapy in preoperative and postoperative orthopaedic patients: A case study

Shantha Kumar1*, Sugendhiran. C2

Nightingale Journals

Shantha Kumar^1*, Sugendhiran. C²