The Rehabilitation Service at CSAH has expanded to include new therapies . Below is a list of therapies offered and examples of patients that can benefit from these services . Treatments are offered Mondays-Fridays and Dr . Medina is available Mondays- Thursdays . If you have any questions , feel free to talk to Dr . Medina , Deana , or Christian .
Cryotherapy : application of ice which causes vasoconstriction and decreases inflammation and swelling . It also decreases prostaglandins and nerve conduction velocity , thus decreasing pain .
Game Ready : is a compressive icing unit that can be applied to the limbs after surgery or injury . Cryotherapy is used on patients with acute inflammation such as a recently torn cruciate ligament or fresh incision .
Thermotherapy : application of heat , preferably in the form of warm compresses , causes vasodilation and smooth muscle relaxation . It is used for pain relief and to decrease muscle spasms . It is especially useful in older patients with arthritis .
Low Level Laser Therapy : releases endogenous opioids , increases cellular metabolism , increases blood flow , increases cellular proliferation , re-epitheliazation and collagen deposition , and promotes axonal sprouting . It is most commonly used on patients with pain , inflammation , wounds and nerve damage . It should NOT be used in cancer patients .
Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation ( e-stim ): an electrical current that elicits muscle contractions . It is used to build muscle strength in patients recovering from orthopedic and / or neurologic conditions .
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation ( TENS ): stimulates release of endogenous endorphins . It is used to reduce muscle spasms and alleviate pain .