Cryotherapy: Exploring the Benefits of Extreme Cold Temperatures
Cryosurgery, also known as cold therapy, involves exposing the body or body parts to extremely cold temperatures for a short period of time. The most common form of cryosurgery in use today is full-body cryosurgery, which involves stepping into a cryosurgery chamber or booth and being exposed to temperatures between -195°C to -110°C for 2-4 minutes.
How Does Cryotherapy Work?
When the body is exposed to such frigid temperatures, the cerebrospinal fluid and blood vessels in the superficial skin layers constrict to preserve the internal body temperature. This intense cooling stimulates blood circulation as the body tries to warm back up after treatment. It is theorized that cryosurgery can reduce inflammation, improve blood flow, relieve muscle soreness and relax tense muscles.
Benefits for Athletes
Many athletes and sports therapists have adopted Cryotherapy as part of their recovery routine. The use of extreme cold temperatures helps reduce swelling, soreness and relieves pain after intense training sessions or competitions. The constriction of blood vessels means less bleeding and edema in the tissues, speeding up recovery. Anecdotally, athletes report feeling less fatigued and more energized after cryosurgery. The anti-inflammatory effects may help minimize muscle damage from strenuous activity as well. Regular cryosurgery sessions can improve an athlete's training capacity and allow for more frequent, intensive workouts.
Potential Health Benefits
While more research is still needed, some studies have indicated cryosurgery may provide benefits beyond athlete recovery, such as:
- Reduced inflammation - The cooling effects of cryosurgery could help relieve conditions with inflammation components like arthritis. One study found whole-body cryosurgery reduced arthritis pain and stiffness.
- Improved skin conditions - The cooling may help soothe skin problems like psoriasis, eczema and acne by constricting blood vessels and reducing inflammation and redness. Some small studies show improvements after Cryotherapy.
- Weight loss support - Researchers theorize regular cryosurgery sessions could help burn more calories during the "recovery phase", as the body works hard to rewarm itself. It may also boost metabolism long-term when combined with a healthy diet.
- Pain relief - In addition to muscle and joint pain, cryosurgery is being explored as a potential treatment for neuropathic pain, pain from shingles and migraines. Large temperature differences are thought to override pain signals in some cases.
- Mood enhancement - The rush of cold exposure followed by warmth has been said to release endorphins, nature's painkillers. Some people report feeling invigorated and reenergized after a session. This effect, if real, could help lift mood.
Factors to Consider
While cryosurgery appears to be generally quite safe when performed properly at licensed facilities, there are some considerations:
- Medical precautions - People with Raynaud's disease, diabetes, heart conditions or poor circulation should check with a doctor first due to the extreme temperatures. Cryosurgery is not suggested during pregnancy.
- Discomfort levels - Most cryosurgery chambers utilize cold air rather than direct liquid nitrogen contact, but it is still very cold. Most people can tolerate 1-3 minutes maximum; some find it uncomfortable.
- Costs - Full body cryosurgery is not a typical spa treatment and costs $50-100 per session. An ongoing commitment would be required to experience potential long-term effects.
- Limited studies - Much of the research on cryosurgery has involved small studies or case reports rather than large-scale clinical trials. More evidence is still needed, especially on long-term health benefits.
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