cryostretch

cryostretch

(krī′ō-strĕch) [″ + AS. streccan, extend] A technique used to reduce muscle spasm by combining cold applications to produce numbness with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation. The body part is numbed using an ice pack or vapocoolant spray and then muscle elongated using proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques. The ice application and exercise are repeated, to stretch and fatigue the involved muscle group. illustration