Cryotherapy is a form of therapy that involves exposing the body to extremely low temperatures in order to reduce pain, inflammation and improve recovery time. It’s a relatively new solution that has been gaining popularity mainly among athletes, medical professionals, and rehabilitation centers, however, it can be successfully used by anyone. What exactly is cryotherapy, what benefits does it have, and who should give it a go?
What is cryotherapy treatment?
So, what is cryotherapy? It’s a form of cold therapy, which involves brief exposure to extremely cold temperatures for therapeutic benefits.
During a cryotherapy session, the patient is exposed to temperatures as low as -230°F for 1-3 minutes in a specialized chamber.
The extreme cold has many potential health benefits and can also help improve skin tone and texture, reduce wrinkles, and fight with cellulite.
Cryotherapy has been gaining increasing popularity among patients who suffer from a variety of conditions such as arthritis, muscle and joint pain, chronic fatigue, and many more.
Who can use it?
What is cryotherapy good for? Cryotherapy is suitable for a wide range of individuals and conditions.
It’s especially recommended to athletes, people with chronic pain, and individuals who suffer from inflammation. Moreover, those with autoimmune diseases, skin conditions, and musculoskeletal conditions can also benefit from the pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects of cryotherapy. It’s also a potential treatment for patients who want to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety.
What are the benefits of cryotherapy?
Since you know what this form of treatment is and what the process looks like, it’s time to discuss why you should actually give it a go.
What are the benefits of cryotherapy? The list of potential profits includes:
- Pain relief – cryotherapy has been used to treat pain caused by inflammation, arthritis, and muscle or joint injuries. During a cryotherapy session, the cold temperatures cause the blood vessels to constrict, reducing inflammation and providing temporary pain relief.
Improved athletic performance – by decreasing inflammation, cryotherapy can help athletes recover faster from hard physical activity. Additionally, cold temperatures can help to improve circulation and reduce muscle soreness. - Skin rejuvenation – cryotherapy can help to reduce wrinkles and improve the texture of the skin by stimulating collagen production. Moreover, it’s helpful in reducing the appearance of cellulite, acne, and age spots.
- Weight loss – are you trying to get rid of unwanted kilograms? As you know, during the cryotherapy session, the body is exposed to extremely cold temperatures, which means it has to burn more calories in order to maintain its normal temperature. It’s also worth mentioning that since the body has to work hard to stay warm, cryotherapy can help to speed up metabolism.
- Pain relief – cryotherapy has been used to treat pain caused by inflammation, arthritis, and muscle or joint injuries. During a cryotherapy session, the cold temperatures cause the blood vessels to constrict, reducing inflammation and providing temporary pain relief.
Potential risks & side effects
Although cryotherapy is generally safe and used to treat various conditions, there are some potential risks and side effects that you should be aware of before starting a session.
For example, cold temperatures can cause shivering, tingling, and skin irritation. You may also experience headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
To reduce the potential risks and side effects, it’s recommended to consult a doctor before starting cryotherapy.
The takeaway
What is cryotherapy used to treat? This form of treatment is used to reduce pain, inflammation, and improve recovery time. It can also help to improve skin tone and texture, reduce wrinkles, and fight with cellulite.
Cryotherapy is suitable for a wide range of individuals who want to rejuvenate their skin, speed up muscle recovery and improve metabolism.
Although this form of treatment offers numerous potential benefits, it can also lead to some side effects. That’s why it’s crucial to speak to your doctor beforehand, if you’re considering cryotherapy.
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