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Treatment guide

Cryo compression therapy

When a joint becomes irritated, whether from osteoarthritis, overuse, or surgery, the body increases blood flow to the area. This helps healing, but it also creates swelling and pressure within the joint. Compression combined with cold has been proven to reduce pain and swelling, while enhancing recovery.
Cryo compression therapy

Why cold therapy works

Cold therapy gently lowers tissue temperature. Combined with controlled compression, it eases pain and swelling and helps restore movement.

Compression helps move fluid away from the joint, improving comfort and mobility. Clinical reviews of cryotherapy show consistent short-term benefits for pain and swelling, particularly after injury and surgery.

Cold compression devices are portable systems for home use. A control unit pumps cold water into a wrap around the joint, such as the knee, shoulder or ankle, with adjustable compression that drives the cold in far better than an ice pack. They are easy to use straight out of the box, bought or hired.

How cold compression helps

Cold therapy:

Reduces inflammation

Lowers inflammatory signalling in the tissues.

Limits swelling

Controls excess swelling, especially with compression.

Eases pain

Slows pain nerve conduction.

Protects tissue

Helps protect surrounding tissues during an acute injury.

Who it helps

Cryotherapy has several uses.

People with arthritis

During flare-ups joints feel warm, swollen and stiff. Cold compression can ease swelling and activity-related pain. It doesn’t reverse arthritis, but it makes movement, one of the best treatments, easier.

After joint replacement

Widely used after knee, hip, shoulder and ankle replacement to control swelling, support early mobility and physiotherapy, and reduce the need for anti-inflammatories.

Sport and recovery

Helps with post-exercise inflammation, return to sport and recovery between events, whether you’re a professional or twisted a knee at five-a-side.

As part of a plan

It works best alongside physiotherapy, injections, exercise, bracing or surgery. Speak to a clinician first if you have circulation problems, reduced skin sensation or a condition made worse by cold.

Cryotherapy in action

The device circulates cooled water through the wrap, giving consistent, targeted cold with measured compression around the joint. Use it sitting comfortably at home, at an event or with your leg raised after surgery.