Which is a contraindication for cryotherapy?

• A. Adequate circulation
• B. Open wounds
• C. Cold allergy
• D. Poor circulation

Answer: (B)

Cryotherapy works by cooling tissue to reduce inflammation and pain, mainly through vasoconstriction and slowed cellular metabolism. A direct contraindication is applying cold to an open wound because the exposed tissue is already injured and lacking a protective barrier. Cold exposure can worsen tissue damage at the wound edge, slow healing, and increase infection risk. For this reason, cryotherapy should not be used over an open wound.

Adequate circulation is a favorable sign for tolerating cooling, since good blood flow helps tissue recovery. Poor circulation can complicate therapy, but the presence of an open wound is the clearest reason to avoid cryotherapy in this scenario. Cold allergy is another separate contraindication, but the open wound itself makes cryotherapy inappropriate here.