Yongxing Wang,1,* Yajun Wang,1,* Dezhi Han,2 Weijing Sun,2 Yaqun Qiao,1 Conghui Wang,3 Xu Zhang,1 Jinlong Xu2 

1Department of General Surgery, The 969th Hospital of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Joint Logistics Support Force, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, 010051, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, The 969th Hospital of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Joint Logistics Support Force, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, 010051, People’s Republic of China; 3Clinical Lab, The 969th Hospital of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Joint Logistics Support Force, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, 010051, People’s Republic of China

*These authors contributed equally to this work

Correspondence: Jinlong Xu, Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, The 969th Hospital of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Joint Logistics Support Force, No. 111 Aimin Road, Hohhot, 010051, People’s Republic of China, Tel +8618548164089, Email xujinlong1986228@163.com

Abstract: Cold acclimation therapy has emerged as a notable therapeutic approach with physical therapy and clinical medicine. Driven by the rising demand for effective pain management, sports recovery, and inflammation control, several studies have examined the physiological mechanisms and diverse applications of cold acclimation therapy. Current research shows that cold acclimation therapy can effectively alleviate both acute and chronic pain, promote post-exercise recovery, and mitigate inflammatory responses. Despite its potential, challenges persist in its clinical application, including the determination of precise clinical indications, optimal timing of intervention, and potential adverse effects. This review summarizes the fundamental principles, clinical applications, current research progress, and future potential of cold acclimation therapy, aiming to provide a reference for clinical practice. Furthermore, the future applications of cold acclimation therapy in medical practice is discussed, emphasizing its importance and development prospects in modern healthcare.

Keywords: cold acclimation therapy, inflammation control, pain management, physical therapy, sports recovery