Which of the following is NOT a form of cryotherapy?

Cryotherapy refers to treatments that involve the application of cold temperatures to manage pain and inflammation, improve circulation, and promote recovery. Ice packs, cryoablation, and cold compresses are all methods that utilize cold for therapeutic purposes.

Ice packs are commonly used to reduce swelling and numb pain in acute injuries. Cryoablation is a medical procedure that uses extreme cold to destroy abnormal tissues, which is a direct application of cryotherapy in a clinical setting. Cold compresses, often made of ice or gel, are designed to provide targeted cold therapy to relieve pain and lessen inflammation.

Heating pads, on the other hand, are designed to apply heat, which can soothe muscle tension and improve blood flow. This is fundamentally different from cryotherapy, as heat is typically used to relax tissues and promote healing in conditions involving chronic pain or stiffness rather than immediate injuries or inflammation. Thus, heating pads do not align with the principles of cryotherapy, making this the correct answer.