Muscle, Tendon and Ligament Tears: Which Ones May Be Helped by HPC?

Strain, sprain and tear: what the words mean

A strain involves a muscle or tendon, and a sprain involves a ligament. A tear is a more serious version of either, where some or all of the fibers have separated. Doctors often grade them from mild to severe: a mild injury stretches the tissue, a moderate one partly tears it, and a severe one tears it completely.

Mild injuries

With mild, low-grade injuries the tissue is stretched or slightly damaged, and the main problem is pain, swelling and stiffness. This is the range where we most often see people who may be good candidates for HPC, which is aimed at the inflammation and discomfort around the area.

Higher-grade tears

A complete rupture, a joint that feels unstable, or a large tear usually needs a surgeon to look at it, and in many cases surgery is the recommended route. We will not try to treat around a problem like that. If we think you need an orthopedic opinion, we will say so at the consultation.

Signs that need a doctor first

Get checked before any other treatment if you have:

• A pop or tearing sensation followed by sudden weakness
• A visible gap, deformity or severe bruising
• A joint that gives way or will not bear weight
• Numbness, tingling or a cold, pale limb
• Fever or a hot, red, swollen joint

How HPC fits

HPC uses intense cold from high-pressure CO₂ applied to the skin over the sore area for about 3 to 6 minutes, depending on the body part. There are no drugs, no needles and no incisions. It does not repair torn tissue and is not a replacement for medical care. After surgery we need your surgeon's clearance and at least 10 days since the procedure, and we never treat over an incision or wound.

Keep following your doctor's guidance

Nothing here is a reason to skip or stop care your doctor has recommended. If you take medication, keep taking it as directed, and never stop a prescription because of something you read online or a treatment you are considering. If you are thinking about adding HPC, tell your doctor and tell us what you take, because some medications, such as blood thinners, mean we use extra caution. After surgery we need your surgeon's clearance and at least 10 days since the procedure, and we never treat over an incision or wound.

If your clinician suggests ice or cold therapy

Ice is the best-known form of cold therapy, and many clinicians suggest it for sore, irritated areas. HPC is also a form of cold therapy, applied differently: high-pressure CO₂ rapidly cools the skin over the area, with an intense cold that passes quickly. A treatment takes about 3 to 6 minutes per area, where an ice pack session is often 15 to 20 minutes.

If your doctor has recommended ice or cold therapy for your problem, ask whether HPC may be a good fit. Results vary, and HPC is not a substitute for medical care.

What a visit with us looks like

Every visit starts with a free consultation. We ask where it hurts, what you have been told it is, what you have already tried, and whether anything about your health or history means we should not treat. If you are comfortable and it is appropriate, treatment can be done in the same session.

Treatment itself is brief. High-pressure CO₂ is used to rapidly cool the skin over the sore area, usually about 3 to 6 minutes per area, and a first visit typically takes 10 to 20 minutes including the consultation. There are no needles and no medication. Most people describe an intense cold that passes quickly. Same-day appointments are often available at our Mineola and Rockville Centre locations.

How many visits, and what about the next flare?

For most people, we recommend an initial series of four to five sessions, then we check how you are doing. Many patients report relief after one or two visits, although individual responses may vary. After the series, we suggest watching to see whether and when the pain returns.

If it does come back, we suggest coming in at the first sign instead of waiting for it to build. Many times a tune-up of 1 or 2 sessions is enough. Discounted packages are available at our Rockville Centre location if you expect to come in more than once.

How High-Pressure Cryotherapy may fit

HPC may be worth asking about if you have a mild strain, sprain or partial tear and want a drug-free, needle-free option alongside your regular care. A consultation is free, and we only treat if we think we can help. If your injury looks more serious, we will tell you to see a specialist.

HPC is not a substitute for medical care and does not replace a diagnosis.

Frequently asked questions

This article is educational and is not medical advice. Individual results vary.