What is the first step in the cryokinetics treatment method?

In the cryokinetics treatment method, the first step is to apply ice until numb for a specific duration, typically 12-20 minutes. This initial phase is critical as it serves to reduce pain and swelling by constricting blood vessels and decreasing metabolic activity in the targeted tissues. By achieving numbness, the affected area becomes more conducive to subsequent rehabilitation exercises without the interference of pain, allowing for a greater range of motion and a safer return to movement.

Once the area is numb, it is easier and safer for the patient to engage in therapeutic exercises, which is the next step in cryokinetics. This combination of ice application followed by exercise is effective because it promotes recovery while minimizing the potential for further injury. The other options listed, like immersing in ice water or applying moist heat, do not align with the specific goals and sequence of the cryokinetics method.