The term Cryotherapy means “Cold Therapy”. It is the technique of exposing the body for several minutes to extremely cold temperatures. Localized as well as whole-body Cryotherapy can be carried out. There are many ways for administering localized Cryotherapy including coolant sprays, ice massage, ice baths, and ice packs, and by administering probes into tissues. When the body is immersed for several minutes into extremely cold air many health benefits results. The individual stands in a small enclosure or enclosed chamber that covers his/her body with a head opening at the top. A temperature of about 200-300 degrees Fahrenheit is provided and an individual is to remain in low temperature for about 3-4 minutes. One session of Cryotherapy provides many benefits but it is highly effective when regularly used. Athletes often use it twice a day. Some individuals use it regularly for 10 consecutive days and afterward one time in a month.

Benefits of Cryotherapy

Benefits of Cryotherapy are as follows:

• Lower symptoms of migraine:

By numbness and cooling of nerves in the neck, area migraine is treated by Cryotherapy. One study revealed that by applying two ice packs containing neck wrap to carotid arteries present in the neck region there was a significant reduction of migraine in tested individuals. This technique works by cooling the blood in intracranial blood vessels. It is easy to access carotid arteries as they are close to the surface of the skin. 

• Muscle healing and Pain relieving:

For the treatment of serious conditions localized Cryotherapy is not the only effective treatment but evidence suggests that whole-body Cryotherapy was significant in reducing pain in people suffering from arthritis. It was a well-tolerated treatment and allowed for more aggressive occupational therapy and physiotherapy in results. The rehabilitation program gets more effective with Cryotherapy. Cryotherapy had been effective in relieving pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Cryotherapy helps with relieving muscle pain and faster healing of injuries. It has long been recommended by doctors to apply ice packs on painful and injured muscles. The blood circulation increase that promotes pain relief and healing.  

• Helps With Weight Loss:

Cryotherapy does not help in losing weight alone rather it supports the process of weight loss. According to this therapeutic technique when the body is cold it is forced to work hard for staying warm. It is claimed by some providers of Cryotherapy that metabolism is increased by few minutes of cold. Moreover, they claim that after being exposed to cold temperature body does not feel cold after some time as the metabolism increased to adjust with cold temperature. As the therapy helps with muscle pain, getting back to a fitness routine becomes easier following injury. This benefit is limited to people who suffer from muscle pain and cannot do exercise. 

• Treatment of Mood disorders:

Physiological hormonal responses result when whole-body cryotherapy is carried out by immersing the body in cold temperatures. This results in the release of epinephrine, norepinephrine, and endorphins hormones. These hormones have a positive impact on people with mood disorders like depression and anxiety. A study was conducted with 23 adults receiving whole-body cryotherapy along with medications who were suffering from depression. All the symptoms of depression were eliminated by whole-body Cryotherapy except fluctuation of mood day and night. Another study was conducted for over 3 weeks with 60 anxiety and depression patients receiving WBC treatment. The overall satisfaction with life was increased with WBC being added to treatment. 

• Treatment of Dermatitis: 

Cryotherapy improves the level of antioxidants in the blood and helps in reducing inflammation, it helps in treating Atopic Dermatitis which is a chronic inflammatory disease having the symptoms of itchy and dry skin.