Patient Profile:
Sarah, a 41-year-old female cleaner, presented to the physical therapy clinic with a 3-week history of acute left shoulder pain. She reported an inability to raise her arm above shoulder level due to the pain.
Initial Assessment:
On physical examination, Sarah exhibited limited active range of motion in the left shoulder, with passive abduction possible up to 180 degrees but with significant pain. Impingement tests, including the empty can and scarf tests, were positive. Palpation of the anterior shoulder elicited sharp pain.
Treatment Approach:
Sarah’s physical therapist immediately initiated an intensive treatment plan, focusing on reducing inflammation and pain, restoring range of motion, and facilitating a safe return to her physically demanding job as a cleaner.
The initial sessions included the following interventions:
- Phonophoresis treatment using Voltaren gel to the shoulder
- Thor laser therapy to the affected area
- Gentle active-assisted shoulder movements to gradually increase range of motion
During the second treatment session, the physical therapist introduced the Kaasen TruCryo cryotherapy device to Sarah’s plan of care. The TruCryo was applied to the left shoulder for 8 minutes, delivering intense cold (-78°C) to help rapidly reduce inflammation and pain.
Outcomes:
Immediately after the cryotherapy treatment with the TruCryo device, Sarah reported a dramatic reduction in her shoulder pain, allowing her to perform full active range of motion without restriction. The combination of TruCryo’s powerful cold therapy and the other modalities used in her treatment plan enabled Sarah to progress quickly through her rehabilitation.
Over the course of 8 sessions, completed twice weekly, Sarah was able to fully restore shoulder function, regain strength, and safely return to her job as a cleaner. The rapid pain relief provided by the TruCryo device was a critical factor in allowing Sarah to actively participate in her therapy program and achieve her goals.
By the end of the 4-week treatment period, Sarah had regained full, pain-free range of motion in the left shoulder and was able to perform all of her job duties without limitation. She expressed gratitude for the exceptional care she received and credited the use of the Kaasen TruCryo cryotherapy device as a key component in her swift recovery.
Conclusion:
This case study highlights the powerful role that advanced cryotherapy technologies, like the TruCryo, can play in the management of acute musculoskeletal injuries. By providing rapid and effective pain relief, cryotherapy can help facilitate a faster rehabilitation process and accelerate a patient’s return to their normal activities.
