Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is commonly used to reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain in acute injuries, such as sprains or strains. It can also be used for chronic conditions such as arthritis or nerve pain. The cold temperatures cause blood vessels in the affected area to constrict, reducing blood flow and therefore inflammation.
In addition to its therapeutic uses, cryotherapy is also used for cosmetic purposes.
Cryotherapy chambers, sometimes called cryosaunas, have been marketed as a way to boost metabolism, burn fat, and reduce the appearance of cellulite. However, these claims are not supported by scientific evidence, and the risks associated with using cryotherapy for these purposes are not well understood.
Cryotherapy Session
This simple, three-minute experience exposes your body to the coldest temperatures on earth in order to boost the body’s natural processes to burn calories and help alleviate symptoms of existing health conditions. Benefits of cryotherapy include: Faster recovery from injury. Decreased muscle soreness. Reduced inflammation and swelling. Reduced stress, anxiety and fatigue. Increase metabolism promoting weight loss. Improved circulation, sleep, mood and libido. Improved immunity lowering incidence of colds and flu. Pain relief from joint disorders, rheumatoid diseases and fibromyalgia. Improved appearance by increasing collagen production and helping reduce cellulite, psoriasis, blemishes and acne.
What is Cryotherapy Like?
Usually a little concerned about cryotherapy being too cold or even hurting them a little bit. That is why we try to remind our patients what the purpose of cryotherapy is. We already know that ice works for pain in general, whether it’s ice in a bag or a bathtub full of ice, the cold temperatures can reduce pain and inflammation. However, the comparison of cryotherapy to ice is like comparing a full night’s sleep to a catnap. It’s a completely different level, and it causes a totally different reaction in the body! After you exit the cryotherapy chamber, your brain takes over, and for the following 36-48 hours, your brain begins to target those areas of pain or inflammation. The brain targets these areas with red blood cells and endorphins during this period.
Why Do People Get Cryotherapy?
Many of our patients are individuals who are suffering from pain, anxiety, sports injuries, debilitating conditions, and even individuals who are receiving chemotherapy – a cancer treatment that can cause neuropathy. Cryotherapy can often be used in conjunction with chemotherapy to reduce the chances of a patient developing neuropathy. Cold packs are a new option for patients who are at risk of developing neuropathy. Studies show that patients who wear cold packs during chemotherapy can avoid developing neuropathy. Of course, we don’t treat chemotherapy at Defy Cryotherapy and Float, but we do promote and encourage the use of cryotherapy and a holistic approach to better health.
Is Cryotherapy Safe?
Cryotherapy is completely safe. Cryotherapy is a matter of running cold air over the surface of the skin, and it only goes about a millimeter deep. However, you will be required to wear gloves and boots in the cryotherapy chamber because any part of you that is an extension of the body gets less blood and is susceptible to frost nips. Fingers and toes – we cover those! Cryotherapy can be a little shocking the first time. There’s no water as cold as the steam in cryotherapy on earth, so your brain has no frame of reference. The first time is the hardest. However, after completing cryotherapy, you will experience a massive endorphin rush, which is massively invigorating!
