What is Cryotherapy?

Cryotherapy, which is also known as cold therapy, involves the usage of low temperatures in order to aid in the recovery process of injuries or recently undergone intense physical activities. It is said that the intense cold can improve mental and physical health, along with additional cognitive benefits. Intensive research is still going on about cryotherapy, so the doctors are not fully aware of all the benefits and risks of the treatment.

How is it used?

In cryotherapy, our body is exposed to freezing or below-freezing temperatures for a short period of time. This helps in healing and decreases pain. Cryotherapy aims to decrease the metabolism of the cells, increasing the survival capacity of the cell, reducing inflammation and encouraging vasoconstriction. It also helps in improving the body’s blood circulation and the healing process, removing pain, muscle spasms and swelling.

Whole Body Cryotherapy:

Whole body cryotherapy is next generation cold therapy. Individuals enter a cryosauna for a short period of time not to exceed 3 minutes. During this process the cryosauna uses liquid nitrogen in order to subject the individual to temperatures between – 160 degrees F, and – 190 degrees F. The treatment lowers the individuals core temperature and creates a ‘shock’ to the body. This shock will help stimulate muscle recovery as well as flush the body of inflammation further promoting recovery. Because the body goes into survival mode due to the sudden change in core temperate, an individual will continue to burn calories throughout the day upon the conclusion of their treatment which can result in an extra 600 – 800 calories burned over the course of the next 3 – 4 hours after the treatment is done. Many individuals report a heightened level of awareness and mental state upon the conclusion of a whole body cryotherapy session and are sharper throughout the day due to the treatment.

Precautions:

Even though whole body cryotherapy has many benefits, it should be used with proper precautions. It is important to monitor the patient undergoing the treatment, as such it is impossible to administer a whole body cryotherapy session with only the individual taking part in the treatment in the room alone. A cryotherapy technician administers the treatment and is present the entire time the individual is in the chamber. The door on the chamber does not lock and can be existed at any time by the individual who is partaking in the treatment, and there is an emergency stop control that can be used from the outside if necessary. As liquid nitrogen is being used in whole body cryotherapy it is important that those undergoing the treatment do not try to bend down as it could expose them to the vapours. Individuals must also always wear the proper footwear and gloves due to the sensitivity in these areas. These are provided by the cryotherapy clinic to ensure that all individuals are properly prepared for their session.