Biofreeze 101

Lynda Solien-Wolfe LMTAnd Bop Poirier

1

BIOFREEZE 101: Goals

• What is BIOFREEZE? • A topical analgesic• Why use a topical analgesic?• What are the typical ingredients in topical

analgesics? • How do topical analgesics work?• How do you apply Biofreeze?• What are the contraindications of

Biofreeze?2

What is a topical analgesic?

A “topical analgesic” is a product that is applied to the skin surface for the purpose of relieving soreness and pain in soft tissue and joints.

3

Why use a topical analgesic?

• Delivers targeted pain relief • Low levels of systemic absorption• Less risk for systemic toxicity• Less risk for drug interaction• Safer alternative to systemic

medications

5

The Pain Cycle

6

Breaks the pain cycle

Benefits of using a topical analgesic

• Pain free movement• Effective relief of sore muscles• Painful joints• Recovery from muscular strains and

sprains

8

What are the typical ingredients in topical analgesics?

• Key ingredients and quality vary by manufacturer

• Typical ingredients are– Menthol– Alcohol

How do topical analgesics work?

9

• Two Mechanisms–Counter-irritation–Cryotherapy

10

Counter-irritation

• Commonly known as the “Gate Control Theory” of Melzak & Wall (1965)

• Stimulates sensory receptors in the skin

• Blocks other receptors

Counter-irritation

• Pain and temperature signals use the same pathway to the brain

• Larger nerve fibers override smaller nerve fibers

• Skin irritation blocks pain signals to the brain

The Melzack-Wall Pain Gate

The Melzack-Wall Pain Gate

14

Cryotherapy

• Cold application reduces the sensation of pain

• Cold reduces inflammation• Cold and re-warming stimulates

healing of tissue

15

Cryotherapy

• Evaporation of alcohol and menthol reduces skin temperature

• Cooling stimulates cold receptors in the skin

• There is a link between cold sensitivity and pain

16

What are the side effects of ice?

• Stiffness, decreased ROM (range of motion)• Temporary pain and numbness• Decreased motor performance• Prolonged vasoconstriction (narrowing of the

blood vessels)• Skin irritation• Risk of frostbite and nerve injury

Benefits of analgesics

• Allow for benefits of cryotherapy

• No side effects of ice

How do you apply topical analgesics?

• Different types of applicators–Roll-on–Spray–Gel

18

Roll-on

• Effective for smaller muscles

• Roller ball can be used for trigger points

Biofreeze® Roll-on

Spray

• Easy application• No direct body contact• Gets hard-to-reach

body areas

Biofreeze® Spray

Gel

• Good for hands-on massage

• Larger muscles and joints

• Gel dispensing tube• Pump bottle Biofreeze® Gel

22

When to use a topical analgesic

• Before treatment for more productive session

During

• If client has soreness or pain during treatment

After

• Clients can use topical analgesics at home

• Supports treatment

Practice self application

What are the Contraindications?

• Open wounds• Skin sensitivity• Mucus membranes

26

Prossage Heat

References1. Stanos Overview of topical analgesics. Pain

Medicine News. 2009 Feb:1-62. Galeotti N, DiCesare Mannelli L, Massanti G,

Bartolini A, Ghelardini C. Menthol: a natural analgesic compound. Neuro Science Letters. 2002Apr 12; 322(3): 145-8

3. Topp et al. Effects of menthol on skeletal muscle blood flow.

4. Proudfoot et al. Glutamate system 20065. Galaeotti et al. Opioid System 20026. Tuvenson et al. Cold sensitivity has been

implicated in patients with chronic pain 20037. Melzak R, Wall PD. Pain mechanisms: a new

theory. Science. 1965 Nov 19; 150 (699): 971-9

28

Topical Analgesics 101

Quiz

1. Which of the following is an ingredient typically found in a topical analgesic?

a) Butaneb) Mentholc) Ascorbic acidd) Ammonia

2. The “gate control theory” is which kind of pain control mechanism?

a) Counter-irritationb) Cryotherapyc) NSAIDd) Opiod

3. Which of the following is where Topical Analgesics may not be applied?

a) Arthritisb) Open woundsc) Bursitisd) Tendonitis

4. Which of the following is a true statement?

a) Topical Analgesics work by going into the blood stream.

b) Cryotherapy decreases pain and reduces inflammation.

c) Topical Analgesics can only be used after treatment

d) Topical analgesics deliver systemic pain relief

5. Which of the following is not a side effect of ice?

a) Numbnessb) Prolonged vasoconstrictionc) Nerve injuryd) Increased range of motion