What Is Cryotherapy?

Have you ever come across the word Cryotherapy and thought it would be something relevant to crying? The term does not reflect its meaning. Cryotherapy, also known as Cold Therapy, is a treatment where the body or specific body parts are exposed to cold temperature for some minutes. It is a therapeutic effect and can be used for the local area in a highly targeted way or generally in your whole body to trigger a specific reaction. You can take local Cryotherapy using coolant sprays, ice messages or ice packs, ice baths and other possible ways available. Whole-Body Cryotherapy (WBC) is a way of submerging your whole body in an enclosed cold-air, keeping the head open at the top. The temperature of the enclosure remains between 200°-300° Fahrenheit. And you can stay at this ultra-cool temperature for two to a maximum of four minutes. It is effective when taken regularly. But you will get the benefit from just one session too. Athletes use this therapy twice a day. And many people go for ten consecutive days and then once a month afterwards. So, probably you have started thinking about the benefits involved in Cryotherapy, right? Just a cool-tempered therapy, and why so attention to this? Let’s resolve your complexity now!

Benefits of Cryotherapy

#1 Reliefs Pain

Cryotherapy helps us remove our muscle and joint pain. Also, it is worthwhile in relieving muscle disorders like arthritis. Athletes use Cryotherapy for faster healing of their injuries. There is a benefit to applying this in back pain too. You can go for a session to give it a try if you ever want quick relief from your pain.

#2 Decreases Migraine

It numbs the nerves in our neck area through the cooling effect and helps treat migraines. A study has found that neck wrapped, including two ice-covered packs to the carotid veins in our neck, considerably minimize migraine discomfort.

#3 Treats Mood Disorder

If you experience anxiety or depression, then Cryotherapy would be a good choice for you. This therapy causes a physiological hormonal response, such as the release of endorphins, noradrenaline, and adrenaline, which positively impacts those going through mood disorders. Studies discovered that Whole-Body Cryotherapy (WBC) works wonders for depression and anxiety disorder as a short-term treatment.

#4 Prevent Dementia

Since you will get ease from inflammation from this, it reduces the chance of developing dementia too. Oxidative stress and inflammation associated with dementia, age-related problems and cognitive impairment all can be treated using Cryotherapy.

#5 Prevent Cancer

It lowers the risk of developing cancer since whole body Cryotherapy helps to reduce the inflammation. However, there is no such evidence till now that this therapy treats cancer after developing the disease.

#6 Treats Skin Problem like Eczema And Atopic Dermatitis

Cryotherapy can improve the antioxidant level in the blood and reduce inflammation, and thus it helps treat skin inflammatory disease with some common problems like dryness and itchiness. Whole-body Cryotherapy helps to combat atopic dermatitis. It is also helpful in improving the symptoms of chronic inflammatory skin illness - Eczema.

#7 Helps Improve Insomnia Problem

If you suffer from a primary or secondary sleep disorder, you may get help from Whole-body Cryotherapy because of its calming effect. Sleep disorder includes the inability to find relaxation in bed, anxiety, muscle tension, inability to find comfort, palpitation etc., which are minimizable applying the Cryotherapy. Since our vital organs suffer from sleep deprivation, this Whole-body Cryotherapy would benefit our overall health. It should keep in our mind that results vary from person to person. However, you would see the improvements even after one week of three minutes session daily.

Possible Risks And Side Effects

Numbness, itching and redness of the skin are the most common side effects of Cryotherapy. But they are not permanent. See a doctor if you are not overcoming these effects within 24 hours. If you have diabetes and any health issues relating to nerves, it would be a wise choice not to go for a Cryotherapy session since it may cause further nerve damage. And never longer than the time you have been recommended. Whole-body Cryotherapy can last for more than four minutes. While using an ice bath or ice pack at home, never apply it for more than 20 minutes, and wrap the ice pack with a towel so that you do not damage your skin.

Takeaway

A number of anecdotal evidence and research supports that Cryotherapy has several health benefits, but Whole-body Cryotherapy is still under study to develop a more strong recommendation. It is safe to consult a doctor first if you want to have Whole-body Cryotherapy (WBC). And please follow the guidelines and cautionary steps involved while taking Cryotherapy.