Have you ever applied ice to any painful area of your body and felt instant relief? Or got a significant glow with ice application to the skin? Well, ice is also known to calm down anxieties as well. There are tremendous benefits that cold applications can provide. Cryotherapy is a treatment that involves super cold conditions for treating various ailments. It can be applied to specific body parts or all over the body. Keep reading this cryotherapy guide to know more about the treatment procedures, applications, precautions, and a lot more.

This Guide Includes the Following Information:

A Guide to Cryotherapy by Dr. Prem – The Concept, History, Benefits, Procedures, Contradictions, Safety, Application And All

What is Cryotherapy?

Cryotherapy is also termed ‘Cold Therapy. It involves exposure of the body to extreme cold temperatures for a few minutes. The therapy is mainly applied to treat several types of joint and muscular pains or lesions and to recharge our body cells. This amazing energy-enhancing deep freeze health treatment is initiated in Japan. It isalso already in practice in Europe for the past 20 years and has received a massive response in the USA as well. The operational procedure though a little weirdis immensely effective.

It can be localized as exposing specific parts of the body to cold temperatures or the whole body. In WBC (Whole Body Cryotherapy), the body is immersed in cold air at 200-300 ° F. However, very little evidence can be gathered that speaks of the efficacy of this therapy. FDA has not yet approved cryotherapy devices for treating medical conditions. The American Association of Dermatology also does not support it.Yet,the concept of Cryotherapy is finding wider applications in various wellness resorts and spas around the worldas a highly recommended alternative treatment.

History

James Arnott, a senior physician at British Hospital published a work on the application of cold for therapeutic purposes during 1819-1879. He was the first to use cold therapy for destroying tissue by using salt and crushed ice. His self-designed instrument for cold therapyearned him aprize at the Great Exhibition of London in 1851. He advocated cold therapy for treating acne,neuralgia, and headaches by applying cold at24C.

In 1899, Campbell White from New York was the first to use refrigerants for medical purposesfor treating herpes zoster, chancroid, warts, leg ulcers of varicose veins, carbuncles, and manymore. He was even convinced of the efficacy of liquid air in treating carcinoma.Almost at the same time, William Pusey of Chicago introduced a carbonic acid show forcryotherapy mainly for its easy availability.

Hall-Edwards of Birmingham made notablecontributionsto cryosurgery.The use of liquid nitrogen is known to be introduced by Allington in 1950. It became moreavailable after the Second World War and was preferred to liquid oxygen.

Dr. Irving S Cooper, aNew York-based neurosurgeon,achieved tremendous success by designing a probe able toachieve a temperature of-196C. He could treat Parkinson’s disease and inoperable brain tumors with this probe.The last 50 years saw many advances in cryotherapy asserting the efficiency of liquid nitrogen.Advanced probes, cryotherapy machine, and chambers are being designed to increase the efficacy of this therapy withminimum side effects.The therapy has benefited many people since then across the world.

Principles of Cryotherapy

The rationale behind Cryotherapyis almost similar to cold therapy that we apply locally to treat pains and injuries. In whole-body cryotherapy, when the person is in the cold chamber, his/herbody temperature falls drastically. When he/she gets out of the chamber, the oxygenated bloodgets supercharged while flowing throughout the body giving a better experience of healing.Oxygen supply in the body cells increases which facilitates faster healing for various mental and physical conditions.

What are different Cryotherapy Procedures?

Different Cryotherapy procedures are applied depending on the conditions to be treated. The most common (also popular) form of cryotherapy is to sit in a cryotherapy chamber or booth for 3-5 minutes. Cryotherapy facial involves exposure of the face to cold temperatures. For treating joint pains, a cryotherapy wand might be used.

In a typical whole-body cryotherapy procedure, individuals enter a specially made chamber and are exposed to cold dry air at below100 C for 2-4 minutes. Liquid nitrogen and refrigerated cool air are normally used to achieve this super cool temperature. The dry air being devoid of moisture is more tolerable and does not go deep into your bones and tissues.

During cryotherapy, you need to wear minimum clothing. For men, it may can be shorts. Women would wear shorts and a crop top. Gloves, woollen headbands to cover ears and a mask to cover the nose and mouth, and dry shoes and socks are provided to avoid any cold-related injury.

Indications for Cryotherapy

Chronic pain
Fibromyalgia
Rheumatoid arthritis
Alzheimer’s
Benign nerve growths neuroma
Multiple sclerosis
Atopic dermatitis
Stress and anxiety
Symptoms of depression

What are the Benefits of Cryotherapy?

Cryotherapy is known to produce the following benefits:

Reduces migraine pain
Treats nerve irritation by making it numb
Treats mood swings
Reduces arthritic and joint pains
Localized cryotherapy may help in treating low-risk tumors by a process known ascryosurgery
May promote weight loss
Reduce depression and anxiety
Reduce eczema
Beneficial for atopic dermatitis and other skin problems
Post-super cool therapy, your skin glows like it has been freshly and adequately nourished.
A great remedy for patients suffering from stress, burnout, and sleeplessness
Fights acute medical disorders like psoriasis.
It may be effective in treating dementia and Alzheimer’s diseases
If you are suffering from a nervous disorder, Cryotherapy is a quick healer

One Treatment for Multiple Ailments

Cryotherapy knocks down the abnormal tissues (with high chances of turning into cervical cancer) of the cervix of a female by freezing it. Some of the abnormal tissues are destroyed as well in the process. Super cool Liquid CO2 circulates through the chamber freezing the tissues for two to three minutes.

After this, thawing and refreezing are done to achieve the desired results. Cryotherapy comes into the picture when abnormal PAP test results have been confirmed by colposcopy. Cryotherapy can have remedial effects on aging. It also eliminates inflammation and curesswelling joints and ankle injuries.

How does Cryotherapy Works?

This is a wonderful way of keeping yourself at the peak of your health. This extreme cold therapy rejuvenates your body and lifts your mood. The direct contact of your body with the liquid nitrogen vapor enhances blood circulation and feeds your vital organs and cells with sufficient oxygen and nutrients. Even if you are immersed deep in ice, your core body temperature must be maintained at a constant 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, which is essential for survival.

As the temperature inside the tank falls sharply, the brain sends signals to our body to maintain a constant temperature. The blood vessels get constricted and the functional systems of our body get into quick action to protect the vital organs and restore the normal temperature. The person experiences a shiver. This quick restorative function enriches the blood with vital enzymes and nutrients which get more activated and regenerate the entire functioning of the body.

The blood pressure shoots slightly but is manageable. The freezing temperature puts the body ina survival mode that induces the blood rush to the vital organs. Once you come out of the super cold environment after 3 minutes, the nutrient-rich and less toxic blood flushes back to the rest of the body shooting up your energy levels while making you feel relaxed, refreshed, and better. Also, proper cryotherapy guidelines must be followed post-treatment for better recovery.

What things to know before Cryotherapy Session?

Before you know what things you need to prepare for your first Cryotherapy session, you must prepare yourself mentally. Understand that the first session can be a little uncomfortable, especially for people who do not like cold. Your head will be out from the top of the cryotherapy machine or chamber while your body will be encased inside during the entire session. Be a little open to the adventure and try to be relaxed as your body starts to feel the intensely cold air once the session starts.
As mentioned before, the clothing must be minimal, however, a person is not supposed to be completely naked. You will also be provided with socks and gloves for the prevention of frostbite. You will be given a bathrobe, to keep you comfortable till the time you are inside the chamber. Please note, women who wear bras inside the chamber must make sure that there are no wires.
Your skin and your garments must be completely dry. Wet skin or clothes can increase the risk of bad frostbite. Thereby, make sure you step into the chamber completely dry. It is recommended to wear a different and dry set of cloth after you arrive for the session, to ensure there is no sweat on any of your garments.
Small movements are essential. The chamber size is not very big, but it does have space where you can make little movements. Being completely still can prevent proper blood flow. Wave your hands, fingers, and toes, or move your body a little to ensure there is good blood flow maintained.
Last but most important, before you even plan for a Cryotherapy session, make sure you are a good candidate for the treatment. The therapy is not suitable and safe for everyone. People with certain medical conditions should avoid the therapy.

How Many Cryotherapy Sessions Does it Take to See Results?

Only one session of Cryotherapy can provide you with some immediate relief. However, to get the full benefits of cryotherapy, you should take the therapy regularly. Visible and effective results from Cryotherapy can be noticed after at least two or three consecutive sessions. Those who are seeking better physical changes are recommended to take the therapy at least 5 times a week.

Is Cryotherapy a Holistic Treatment?

Cryotherapy takes a sort of holistic approach to skincare and wellness. This wellness treatment helps to improve your body, skin, and mental health as well. It is also used for treating skin problems and can be helpful for some cancers like liver or prostate cancer.

What is Cryotherapy in Rehabilitation?

Cryotherapy works with the use of cold. Cold modalities are well-known to be effective in reducing or slowing down pain impulses. It is also believed to relieve pain with help of a gate control mechanism at the second-order neurons in the dorsal root ganglion of your spinal cord. It works by interfering with the transmission of pain impulses.

The therapy is beneficial for rehabilitation by helping with circulation, inflammation, pain, cellular metabolism, and muscle spasm. However, certain conditions such as confirmed or suspected CRPS or Complex Regional Pain Syndrome are not suitable for this procedure. The rehabilitation method may involve the use of a Cooling gel pack, Cool spray, Ice bath (immersion of the entire body), or Ice massage.

Recently, the demand and use of whole-body cryotherapy have become very popular, especially for athletes and also for patients suffering from persistent pain like rheumatological conditions. However, the temperature and duration of the treatments must be handled by a proficient and trained therapist or doctor only.

How does Cryotherapy for Weight loss Work?

How fascinating is it to know that just feeling regularly cold can actually promote weight loss? Cryotherapy for weight loss can be a gradual process and require regular sessions. Exposing the body to the cold with frequent cryotherapy sessions burns hundreds of calories and boosts metabolic rate as well. It also releases adrenaline, which results in charged and increased energy levels.

As per a study performed by the Journal of Obesity in 2018, only the long-term use of cryotherapy activates the cold-induced thermogenesis process in the body. This leads to a reduction of an average of 3% of overall body mass, particularly around stubborn waist areas. Whereas, Cryolipolysis is recommended for those whosefocusis to have a significantfat reduction.

Cryotherapy VS Cryolipolysis

Cryotherapy aims at the full body of an individual, while Cryolipolysis only targets a specific part/ area of the body. It is a technique used for relieving pain or tension of irritated nerves, joint conditions, etc. Although both Cryotherapy and Cryolipolysisinvolve one similar method of using extremely low temperatures for desired outcomes, the purpose and aims are very different.

Cryolipolisis is a non-invasive treatment that aims to permanently reduction of body fat. It does not involve the use of any full-body cyro machines or cold rooms. The procedureonly includes the use of a small device that is applied to one specific body area and left there to work for a few minutes. Some of the body areas that are treatable with Cryolipolisis are the thighs, upper or lower stomach, under buttocks, upper arms, etc.

This applied device allows freezing temperature up to -15 ° C that destroys the fat cells with the help of cold passed through the skin. These dead or crystallized fat cells are then passed through the lymphatic system of the body naturally. It is a virtually painless treatment that can be done within an hour of duration. It results in a reduction of 20 to 40% of fat in the treated area post the treatment and its complete results can be visible by around 12 weeks.

What are Cryotherapy Guidelines for Safety?

The treated site may become slightly sore or blister sometimes, which gets back to normal in a few days or weeks. It does not require any medical attention. However, if this occurs do not pick or irritate the site and let it heal on its own.
A person can have a normal bath after the procedure. Use mild soap, lukewarm water, and pat dry the site after bathing. Do not use any chemical creams, soaps, or lotions on the site immediately. Keep the site covered with a Band-Aid or other suitable material as you prefer.
Lesions may be experienced post-treatment, these are benign and will be recovered gradually. However, if it does not resolve or if you experience any bleeding or severe pain, you may contact your doctors right away for further treatment.
The physician must be aware of all the complications, unsuitable conditions, and relative contradictions that are not safe for Cryotherapy. Make sure to inform the doctor about your complete medical details for these analyses.
Cryotherapy is a safe treatment, however, concerns such as improper duration of freezing, incorrect freeze-thaw cycles, wrong temperatures, or inappropriate patient selection (bad candidates for cryotherapy) may result in serious complications. Ensure you are a good candidate for cryotherapy before undergoing the therapy.
Certain areas of the body such as the skin fold between your nose and lips, corners of your eyes, skin area of nostrils, and below knees (especially for elderly or old people) are not usually advised for liquid nitrogen application.
Also, remember if there are any signs of infection, for example, increasing redness in the surrounding of the treated skin must be consulted with your practitioner. It is not advised to ignore these signs or treat yourself at home without any supervision of a professional.

Who should not take Cryotherapy?

Although Cryotherapy is a safe treatment, it is not for everyone, especially under these conditions:

Severe hypertension
Pregnancy
Unstable angina pectoris
Acute or recent myocardial infarction
Cardiovascular diseases
Nerve pain
Cold allergies
Bleeding disorders
Acute kidney or urinary tract diseases
Severe anemia
Claustrophobia
Seizures
Raynaud’s syndrome
Fever
Lung disorders
Venous thrombosis
Tumor
Open wounds
Blood vessel diseases

How much does Cryotherapy Cost?

Cryotherapy costs can be anywhere between 40$ to 100$. The price for the treatment varies across the whole depending on the clinic, practitioners, packages, and other facilities. You can choose a convenient package as per your comfort and requirement that avails good discounts for an affordable cryotherapy cost.

Where to find Cryotherapy Treatment?

Cryotherapy is offered in various gyms, spas, and wellness centers across the world. These places include cryotherapy chambers, equipment, and special tanks for treatment. A prescription from a doctor may not be essential, however ensuring the therapy is safe for you is very important. You may consult a doctor who can recommend you a good cryotherapy center or wellness resort consultancy or facilitators who can arrange for an exclusive wellness tourism venture including the best cryotherapy service packages, centers, and facilities as per your convenience.

Summary

Cryotherapy is an effective cold therapy that uses extremely low yet manageable temperatures for helping with various conditions. It helps to destroy certain types of cancer cells, skin problems, injuries & pain, obesity, etc. Despite the safe procedure of cryotherapy, one must discuss their health problems with a professional to ensure the safety of the treatment before opting for it.

Initial use of the treatment may provide instant relief from the pain, anxiety, etc, however, to get complete beneficial results from it, one must take regularcryotherapy sessions. Make sure you choose an authorized source of service and professional practitioner or choose the right wellness resort in the world that offer cryotherapy. You will be safe fromany unwanted complications.