Cryotherapy is a treatment that is well-known to professional athletes in Europe and the United States, but is just being discovered by the general public. What is cryotherapy? 'Cryo' is Greek for 'cold', so cryotherapy basically means 'cold therapy'. Actually, it could more accurately be called 'very cold therapy', since it involves exposing the body to temperatures as low as -175 degrees Centigrade for brief periods of time.
How Does Cryotherapy Work?
When the body is exposed to very cold temperatures during cryotherapy treatment, blood vessels on the skin's surface contract. At the same time, blood rushes to the body's core to keep the vital organs at a constant temperature. Then, when the treatment ends, the blood capillaries expand to up to 4 times their normal size as the blood rushes back to the surface of the body. This is said to have these effects:
- The expanded blood cells access injuries, such as muscle soreness experienced after heavy athletic activity, much faster than normal, thus hastening recovery.
- Endorphins and adrenaline are released. These are our "feel good" hormones. For this reason, cryotherapy is used to help treat depression.
- Cryotherapy is also thought to boost the immune system and stimulate the lymphatic and vascular systems.
How Is Cryotherapy Done?
A 'cryopod' is a specially designed cubicle with an opening for the head, which is not exposed to the cold. Standing in the cryopod wearing only underwear or swimwear, the body is exposed to bursts of nitrogen gas at intervals. The temperature inside the cryopod gradually drops until the temperature reaches -150 to -175C. The entire session lasts only two to three minutes and the body's core temperature remains at a healthy 37C. Those who have experienced it react differently. Many report only a mild, pleasant tingling sensation, while others experience slight discomfort during the final 30 seconds or so of treatment.
What Can Cryotherapy Treat?
Athletes use cryotherapy in order to accelerate the healing process after training or playing. This allows them to train at a higher level and require less recovery time after a game.
Cryotherapy has also been shown to be an effective treatment for a variety of conditions, including:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Psoriasis
- Dermatitis
- Depression
- Weight Management
- Cellulite
In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, cryotherapy reduces swelling in the joints for up to an hour and a half, allowing the physical therapist to work more effectively to help patients regain greater mobility.
While cryotherapy is generally a safe therapy, it is not advised for people who have cardiovascular disease, epilepsy and some other medical conditions. It is always advised to check with a health professional before trying cryotherapy.
Originally published on May 06, 2011
