Please click the following link to view medical centres worldwide that offer cryoneurolysis.

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If you believe cryoneurolysis may be appropriate for you, ask your family doctor or general practitioner for a referral to the nearest provider offering cryoneurolysis for spasticity.

Please note that a consultation is typically required prior to the procedure to determine eligibility and confirm that the treatment is appropriate for your presentation of spasticity.

1. A cryoprobe (shown on the front of the brochure) uses a needle that is guided near the target nerve with the assistance of ultrasound and electrostimulation.

2. Nitrous oxide is then released through the cryoprobe. When it interacts with the body’s natural fluids, an ice ball forms around the target nerve, cooling it to approximately −88°C.

3. This temporarily disables the nerve’s ability to contribute to spasticity. Over time, the nerve regenerates, and cryoneurolysis may be repeated once or twice per year as needed.

Cryoneurolysis works by temporarily interrupting nerve conduction through controlled cooling of a targeted peripheral nerve. This reduces spastic muscle overactivity while preserving the nerve’s structure, allowing gradual, predictable recovery as the nerve regenerates. Its effects are often longer lasting than Botox and are not limited by dose ceilings.

Botox, by contrast, acts at the neuromuscular junction, blocking acetylcholine release to weaken the injected muscle. While effective, it has dose and frequency limits, potential systemic spread, and typically requires repeated injections every 3–4 months.

In practice, cryoneurolysis offers a focal, reversible, nerve-based option that may reduce treatment burden and complement or, in selected cases, provide an alternative to Botox, particularly when longer-lasting tone reduction is desired.

Please note that pain and discomfort levels can vary significantly between patients and are often influenced by the underlying cause of their spasticity.

Lidocaine is commonly administered to the target area to help reduce pain and discomfort during the procedure.

Common side effects during the procedure are:

• Cold sensation

• Pressure or discomfort

• Cramping

• Mild pain or stinging

• Anxiety or needle discomfort

Nope!

Please continue with physiotherapy or speak with your physician about appropriate at-home stretching.

This helps ensure you receive the maximum benefit from the procedure.

Please contact Izzy at contact@sraas.ca and she will get back to you within 2 business days!