Name two common contraindications to cryotherapy.

• A. Cold urticaria and peripheral vascular disease
• B. Migraine and anxiety
• C. Hypertension and dehydration
• D. Diabetes and obesity

Answer: (A)

Cryotherapy uses intense cold to affect tissue, so conditions that react poorly to cold or already have compromised circulation are major red flags. Cold urticaria is a hypersensitivity where exposure to cold triggers allergic-type skin reactions and sometimes systemic symptoms, so applying cold can provoke a reaction and is contraindicated. Peripheral vascular disease means blood vessels are narrowed or blocked, making tissues more susceptible to ischemia; further vasoconstriction from cold can worsen tissue damage. The other options don’t represent established absolute contraindications; they may require caution or adjustments in some cases, but they aren’t considered standard barriers to using cryotherapy.