About Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is the latest popular treatment for a myriad of issues and maladies people suffer from on a daily basis. Most of us have experienced some kind of injury or painful area of our bodies in which we were advised to use an ice pack, to help the pain and inflammation. Using cold in this way is an ancient remedy that goes all the way back to 2500 B.C., and is accepted by all as a treatment for pain and swelling. Cryotherapy uses this same ancient wisdom, with some added modern technology, to bring a whole new level of relief to a wide variety of medical patients. The benefits are seemingly endless, and people who use it and swear by it are growing in numbers by the minute. It involves different kinds of therapeutic treatments, both locally and generally. One, called WBC, or whole body cryotherapy, is where a person steps into a chamber with only their head exposed, and is subjected to the therapeutic application of extremely cold dry air, usually between −110°C and −140°C, for 2-4 minutes at a time. Research has found that people with a diverse spectrum of medical issues or concerns can benefit from these and other cryotherapy treatments.
Whole Body Cryotherapy Benefits
WBC, or whole body cryotherapy, has become an increasingly popular method of treatment for multiple different medical, physical, and even mental conditions. WBC is said to reduce pain and inflammation from sports injuries, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and skin conditions like psoriasis and dermatitis, among other things. During each session the body releases endorphins, which are hormones that make a person feel good and energetic, another nice benefit. The immediate cold impact of the cryotherapy treatment will raise the internal body temperature for a short period of time. The stimulation of the immune system can help decrease the severity and frequency of future colds and has a positive effect in strengthening the user's immune system overall. People are using this type of treatment for everything from pain relief and emotional health to weight loss, sleep disorders, cancer, fibromyalgia, allergies, arthritis and many more afflictions. A session of WBC is beneficial also because of the way it triggers the body’s natural propensity to heal, with oxygen, enzymes and nutrients replenishing the bloodstream. Other positive effects include an adrenaline release that promotes a sense of well-being and renews motivation, as well as the rejuvenating impact it has on loose and mature skin. It supports cellular regeneration and detoxifies the skin.
Isolated Cryotherapy & Cryo Facials
Some spas that offer cryotherapy also offer Cryo Facials, such as NuWave Cryotherapy Skin & Light Spa. Many people who utilize this type of service do so for the anti-aging benefits it provides. It helps to boost metabolism, increases production of collagen, repairs cell damage and detoxifies the skin. There are numerous celebrities who use cryotherapy to stay young-looking, including Jennifer Aniston, Demi Moore, Alicia Keys and Katy Perry. In Isolated Cryotherapy, a wand is used to target specific areas such as a painful joint or muscle. This is even better than using an ice pack and has more benefits that last longer. Both of these treatments are also popular options for people who want the multiple benefits that cryotherapy offers.
Who Should Use Cryotherapy?
So who should use cryotherapy? Well, that answer is multifarious. Let's talk a little bit about some of the most popular groups of people who are using cryotherapy today. Athletes are among the most popular users, reaping multiple benefits such as reducing pain, inflammation, and cell damage, as well as a quicker recovery time in between workouts and injuries. Recent studies confirm the anti-inflammatory, anti-analgesic, and antioxidant effects of this therapy by highlighting the underlying physiological responses, and therefore make cryotherapy a good option for athletes. People who want to reduce the signs of aging, are another group of the population that are currently enjoying the benefits of cryotherapy treatments these days. Cryotherapy can benefit aging skin and delay the appearance of fine lines, crow’s feet, frown lines, forehead furrows and deepening nasolabial folds, as well as detoxify the skin and replenish it with natural skin nutrients and minerals. It has been dubbed a fountain of youth, and there are many celebrities who swear by it, both men and women. People who suffer from arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, are receiving the multiple benefits of cryotherapy treatments. An estimated more than 54 million American adults have this debilitating disease that affects the joints, and causes extreme pain and swelling. Cryotherapy helps in reducing these symptoms, and even helps improve mobility. People who have had surgery recently, often find this treatment extremely beneficial. During the recovery time after a surgery, there is bruising, swelling and pain, all of which are improved by cryotherapy treatments. It also boosts the immune system, hastens recovery time and improves flexibility. People who suffer from fibromyalgia are enjoying some relief from these sessions. Well over 3 million people in the United States suffer from fibromyalgia, which has multiple symptoms but no specific cause. Cryotherapy has proven to be extremely effective in restoring the mind-body balance that the disease affects adversely. It addresses pain and body issues as well as mind and mental dysfunction. People with anxiety and depression often find relief and rejuvenation with cryotherapy. Over 40 million Americans suffer from anxiety disorders, and often have difficulty finding any relief. Cryotherapy causes physiological hormonal responses such as the release of hormones like adrenaline, noradrenaline and endorphins, which reduce the negative impact of an elevated level of cortisol (a stress inducing hormone). Sensations of relaxation, mood elevation, memory enhancement, newfound energy and improved sleep, often which last for weeks, are commonly reported after just one session of cryotherapy. People who have Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Bursitis, obesity, insomnia, migraines, neuromuscular and rheumatic diseases, and skin disorders, all can benefit from cryotherapy sessions. The better question, it would seem, is who should not use this revolutionary treatment.