What is a typical purpose of cryotherapy after exercise?

• A. Increase muscle temperature to prime tissues
• B. Reduce muscle soreness and inflammation and accelerate recovery
• C. Increase swelling
• D. Prolong fatigue

Answer: (B)

Cryotherapy after exercise is typically used to reduce muscle soreness and inflammation and speed recovery. By cooling the tissues, it causes vasoconstriction and lowers metabolic rate, which helps limit secondary muscle damage, reduces edema, and quiets inflammatory processes. The cooling also slows nerve conduction, which can lessen pain and the perception of soreness, making it easier to resume training sooner. This approach is the opposite of raising tissue temperature or promoting swelling, and it doesn’t align with prolonging fatigue.