The term cryotherapy literally means “cold therapy.” During this treatment, the body is exposed to extremely cold temperatures for several minutes. Cryotherapy made its debut in Japan in 1978 and was used to treat severe cases of arthritis. In recent years, it’s become a very popular treatment that celebrities and athletes have sworn by. So, how exactly does cryotherapy work and what are its benefits? Keep reading to find out.
What is Cryotherapy?
We’re pleased to announce that we’re the only practice in the local area to use the state-of-the-art CRYO Science Arctic chamber. While most cryotherapy chambers will allow your head to stick out, this one encapsulates a full-body experience. This means that it will evenly distribute the cold temperatures from head to toe so you can enjoy a safer, more effective experience.
When you begin a cryotherapy session, you can expect to be exposed to liquid nitrogen. This liquid nitrogen will be compressed in a sauna and released as vapor in the air. To protect your extremities, we’ll encourage you to wear socks, slippers, hat or earmuffs and gloves. Your body will be exposed to extremely cold temperatures between -170 to -230 degrees Fahrenheit.
Most patients benefit from cryotherapy sessions 2-3 times a week. If you’re suffering from injury, inflammation, and/or pains, 4 to 5 times may make more sense. Since cryotherapy can help you find relief from pain, inflammation, migraines, mood disorders, and other problems, it comes with no downtime. You can resume work and your daily activities right after a session.
Benefits of Cryotherapy
- Improved recovery: Athletes frequently turn to cryotherapy to speed up the recovery process after intense workouts. Studies show it reduces muscle soreness and accelerates the body’s natural healing processes which can alleviate pain and swelling.
- Weight loss: Subjecting the body to extremely cold temperatures stimulates the metabolism, which can result in increased calorie burn and potential fat loss over time. Moreover, cryotherapy sessions have been shown to promote the body’s natural fat-burning mechanisms, potentially aiding individuals in achieving their weight loss goals when complemented by a healthy diet and regular exercise.
- Chronic Pain Relief: The cold temperatures used in cryotherapy can numb nerve endings, providing temporary relief from chronic pain conditions such as arthritis, spondylitis, and fibromyalgia.
- Better sleep quality: The evidence supporting cryotherapy’s ability to enhance sleep quality is currently insufficient. Still, some individuals find that cryotherapy helps improve their sleep quality by promoting relaxation and reducing stress and anxiety levels.
- Mood enhancement: Cryotherapy has shown promise in supporting mental health by potentially reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. The exposure to extreme cold temperatures during cryotherapy sessions trigger the release of neurotransmitters like endorphins and norepinephrine, which can contribute to improved mood and overall well-being.
Amazing medical spa! The staff is very attentive to your needs, the establishment itself is clean, magnificent, and has lots of natural lighting. I came in feeling very tired, having low energy, and overall sluggish. I was advised to do the cryo machine and an energy shot. Now I feel amazing and as good as new. Thank you guys for a great experience and helping me!
Take the Next Step
Ready to experience the benefits of cryotherapy for yourself? Schedule a session today to learn more about our Cryotherapy at Novique Medical Aesthetics.