The Benefits of Cryotherapy

PAIN, ACHES, SORENESS… RECOVERY AND RELIEF!!!!

What if there was a way that you can reap the benefits of cold therapy without the traditional R.I.C.E approach or sitting in an ice bath? Well, without being exposed to the cold for lengthy periods of time, Cryotherapy may be a quick and effective option.

What Is Cryotherapy?

This is one of the latest techniques that can provide relief and recovery in a much shorter period of time. Cryotherapy is where an individual is placed inside a cryotherapy chamber for a few minutes which claims to promote accelerated recovery. Such conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis, chronic pain, and even for mental health purposes such as depression are among the list of conditions that may make this chilly experience beneficial.

How Does It Work?

By cooling the body with temperatures that go as low as - 200 degrees Fahrenheit for 2-4 minutes, the blood vessels constrict, causing the blood to get pushed to the organs which causes oxygenation. This stimulates the anti-inflammatory protein (IL-10) to release into the bloodstream and provides added nutrients along with enhanced blood flow once the body temperature regulates. (INVIGORATION!!!!!)

Different Types of Cryotherapy

There are two types of cryotherapy to be used with Whole-Body deemed as the more effective treatment.

• Partial-Body uses nitrogen gas to cool temperature

• Whole-Body uses electricity to cool temperatures while leaving the subject's head outside the chamber

How Was It Discovered?

Utilized by elite athletes, fitness enthusiasts or an individual looking for a different approach to recovery, Cryotherapy, or at least forms of it, date as far back as ancient Greece for relaxation purposes. In the 19th century, ice and snow were used as pain relief methods by soldiers that possibly had to use whatever the environment provided at the time. In addition to accelerated recovery after exercise, cryotherapy minimizes hypoxic cell death, swelling or edema or even muscle spasms by lowering the temperature of the tissue surface. This practice started out in Japan in the 1970’s by a Rheumatologist, then gaining ground in Europe, Australia and the US in the 1980’s and 1990’s.

Does It Really Work?

Although there are some pros and cons to this cold therapy, the positive short term effects are backed up by studies that prove cryotherapy to be a useful recovery aid within the first 24 hours after a sporting activity or exercise. Consequently, those athletes who utilized cryotherapy to help with pain/soreness recovered at a faster rate than those athletes that did not use cryotherapy after their sporting /exercise activity.

CAUTION

Those who should steer clear of cryotherapy include pregnant women and anyone with:

• heart conditions

• high blood pressure (hypertension)

• hypersensitivity to extreme cold

• nerve damage

Even if you don’t have any contraindications, it’s best to check with your primary care physician before trying cryotherapy for yourself. Although its benefits seem highly productive, it is not regulated on a federal level due to it not being an actual medical device nor does it claim to treat any disease or illnesses. Further research and testing seem to be the direction that is required in order to accurately determine whether or not cryotherapy is effective as a form of treatment.

Typically, prior to starting a cryotherapy session, a medical history is taken. Safety precautions during the procedure are provided as well as elimination of any oils or moisture on the skin (skin should be dry to enhance effectiveness and eliminate any adverse skin reactions). Protective gear is provided by the clinic which includes coverage of the ears, hands and feet. Most individuals experience noticeable relief after just the first treatment, however it is encouraged to try for multiple sessions to optimize the recovery process.

Sources:

Lombardi, Giovanni, et al. “Whole-Body Cryotherapy in Athletes: From Therapy to Stimulation.” Frontiers in Physiology