Final answer:
Cryotherapy, specifically referred to as ice massage in the provided options, is a massage technique using ice, mainly utilized to reduce inflammation and pain, rather than a method involving hot stones or heat therapy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cryotherapy, also known as ice massage, is a treatment technique that involves the use of ice to provide pain relief and muscle relaxation. It falls under the category of cold therapy, which is often used in physical therapy and rehabilitation settings. One of the key purposes of cryotherapy is to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain by causing vasoconstriction, the narrowing of blood vessels. This technique can be particularly beneficial for individuals who have recently suffered soft tissue injuries or undergone certain types of surgery. While cryotherapy can involve full-body exposure in a cold chamber, in the context of ice massage, it specifically refers to a massage technique using ice. This should not be confused with treatments that involve heat, such as those utilizing hot stones or ultrasound diathermy, which is used to provide deep-heat treatments and improve flexibility in injured or overworked muscles.