What is the therapeutic use of cold known as?

Cryotherapy is the therapeutic use of cold to treat various health conditions, injuries, and pain. This method involves applying a cold stimulus, which can help reduce inflammation, decrease metabolic activity, and alleviate pain by numbing the affected area. In sports medicine, for example, athletes often utilize cryotherapy to speed up recovery from physical exertion and injuries, as it can reduce swelling and promote healing.

The other options refer to different therapeutic modalities. Thermotherapy involves the use of heat to improve blood circulation, relax muscles, and alleviate pain. Hydrotherapy utilizes water for pain relief and treatment of various conditions, often involving exercises in water or the application of water in different forms. Electrotherapy employs electrical currents to manage pain and promote tissue healing. Each of these therapies serves distinct purposes, focusing on heat, water, or electricity, whereas cryotherapy specifically targets the application of cold for therapeutic benefits.