It may seem counterintuitive to seek wellness by spending time in a frigid tank. However, a new craze known as cryotherapy is sweeping the nation.
According to Wim Hof (the self-described “Iceman”), the intense cold may boost mental and physical well-being. Yet, there’s still so much research left to do. Cryotherapy research is as recent as the procedure’s emergence as a popular therapeutic option. As a result, physicians don’t completely comprehend the process’s possible advantages and hazards.
However, anecdotal evidence alone seems somewhat promising. So if you’ve been frantically googling “cryotherapy near me,” keep on reading to learn all the reasons why you should go ahead and book an appointment.
What Is Cryotherapy?
For a good couple of minutes, the patient undergoes a process known as “cryotherapy,” which translates to “cold treatment.”
It’s all about submerging one’s whole body in the frigid air for several minutes. Whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) purports to provide many health advantages. While standing in an enclosed chamber called cryo chamber recovery, the person’s head will be able to peek out of the top of a tiny enclosure. You can expect the temperature within the enclosure to be between -200°F and -300°F.
Athletes use cryotherapy twice a day. For some, they’ll go every day for ten days, then once a month for the rest of the time. Cryotherapy is most successful when utilized regularly, even if you need one session. Now, it’s time we explore why we go through such cold treatment (pun intended).
1. Cryotherapy Near Me: Relieving Discomfort and Promoting Muscle Recovery
You can ease muscle discomfort and joint and muscle problems like arthritis by using cryotherapy. Athletes may also benefit from its ability to speed up the mending process.
Doctors have long advised using ice packs on muscles that have damage or are in discomfort. After you remove the ice pack, it may help to promote healing and pain alleviation. This all ties back to the increase in blood circulation.
The discomfort of rheumatoid arthritis may be alleviated with cryotherapy. According to a new study, using ice packs as cryotherapy may help decrease the negative consequences of intensive exercise. They also said they had reduced discomfort after using cryotherapy.
Cryotherapy has been shown to reduce muscular discomfort and expedite recovery in research published in 2017. Yet, cryotherapy for the whole body seems less effective than cold water immersion.
Every study doesn’t support cryotherapy’s effect on muscle repair. There was no substantial evidence of cryotherapy for the treatment of muscular pain.
2. Potential Weight Loss
While there’s no guarantee that cryotherapy by itself will result in weight reduction, it could help. After all, being chilly should make the body work harder to keep itself warm.
Some cryotherapy providers claim that only a few minutes of cold may boost metabolism all day. After some time, humans no longer experience cold, according to this theory. It’s because their metabolism has become more efficient due to being exposed to low temperatures.
There were no significant changes in body composition after ten sessions of cryotherapy. Because cryotherapy eases muscular discomfort, returning to a fitness regimen after an accident may be complex. People who are unable or unwilling to exercise due to discomfort may benefit from this weight reduction advantage.
3. Reduction of Inflammation
The immune system uses inflammation as one of its primary weapons in the battle against infection. Because of the long-term effects on the body, chronic inflammation is associated with various diseases. We’re talking about health conditions such as cancers, diabetes, depression, dementia, and arthritis.
Immune system hyperreactivity is a common occurrence. As a result, lowering inflammation may enhance general well-being. It may also reduce the chance of developing a wide range of chronic diseases.
Cryotherapy has been shown in several trials to lessen inflammation. Since most studies have been conducted on rats, more human research is required to verify the findings.
4. Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease
Cryotherapy may lessen the incidence of dementia if it reduces inflammation.
Cryotherapy may decrease inflammation and oxidative stress linked to dementia. As well as mild cognitive impairment, and other age-related types of cognitive decline. This is all according to a study published in 2012.
5. Boosting Mood and Reducing Stress
According to research, Cryotherapy might be used to treat mental health issues that lead to inflammation. Preliminary studies on cryotherapy and mental health are also in agreement.
A small 2008 research indicated that cryotherapy improved symptoms by at least 50% in a third of those with depression or anxiety. Compared to those who did not receive cryotherapy, this was a substantially more considerable decrease.
6. Easing of Skin Disorders Like Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic Dermatitis, as well as other skin disorders, may be treated with this product.
Dry, itchy skin is the hallmark symptom of atopic dermatitis, a chronic inflammatory skin condition. They use both localized and whole-body cryotherapy to treat atopic dermatitis. After all, cryotherapy improves blood antioxidant levels and reduces inflammation.
Sebaceous glands were the focus of an additional investigation.
What to Expect of a Cryotherapy Treatment?
Consult with the individual providing or delivering your cryotherapy treatment if you have any specific medical issues you’d want to address. Before beginning any treatment, it’s a good idea to speak with your doctor.
Make sure your clothes are dry and loose-fitting if you have whole-body cryotherapy. To avoid frostbite, bring gloves and socks. Do all you can to keep the blood circulating while in treatment.
Before undergoing cryosurgery, your doctor will thoroughly prepare you to ensure a successful procedure. This may include fasting for up to 12 hours before the event.
Understanding Cryotherapy Service and Its Benefits
Sure, while whole body cryotherapy is currently under investigation and extensive research, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence and some science to back this treatment. If you’ve been looking for cryotherapy near me, we hope that our guide has given you an idea about what to expect for both the treatment and its potential advantages.
And, if you’re curious about other health-related procedures, you should check out our health and lifestyle sections.