Inflammation is a biological response of tissues and cells to injury and cellular damage, and acts as a protective attempt by the body to remove the injurious stimuli and to initiate the healing process. The receptors involved in pain are also present in inflammation; their activation causes the inflammatory reaction. These chemical signals released by damaged cells result in dilation of blood vessels, accumulation of white blood cells, warming of tissue, and swelling. Cryotherapy combats this response by constricting the blood vessels, thus decreasing inflammation.
