Top Five Reasons to Try Cryotherapy

Does Cryotherapy Work?

Have you tried cryotherapy? It’s gained wider appeal in recent years thanks to its claims to have pain-relieving, inflammation-reducing effects. While many people have hopped on board the cryotherapy train, there are still others who need convincing. The big question, does cryotherapy actually reduce inflammation and improve recovery?  If you want to learn more about what cryotherapy is and its benefits for you, let’s jump in!  

What is cryotherapy? 

Cryotherapy is a type of treatment that involves exposing the body to extremely cold temperatures for a short period of time. Specially, air chilled to less than -200 degrees is blown at patients standing in a tube-like machine for a couple of minutes. This treatment has been used for many years to help with a variety of conditions and has recently gained popularity as a means of improving overall health and well-being.

Five reasons to try cryotherapy

• Reduce inflammation and muscle soreness: One of the top reasons to try cryotherapy is that it can help to reduce inflammation and muscle soreness. The cold temperatures can help to constrict blood vessels, which can reduce inflammation and swelling. This can help to relieve muscle soreness and improve recovery time after a workout.

• Boost the immune system: Cryotherapy can also help to boost the immune system by stimulating the production of white blood cells. This can help to improve overall immunity and help the body to fight off illness.

• Improve mental health and well-being: The cold temperatures of cryotherapy can also trigger the release of endorphins, which can improve mood and reduce stress. This can help to improve mental health and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

• Increase energy and alertness: Cryotherapy can also help to increase energy and alertness. The cold temperatures can stimulate the body and mind, making you feel more awake and alert.

• Burn calories: Cryotherapy can also help to burn calories, as the body has to work hard to maintain its core temperature in the cold environment. This can help to support weight loss and improve overall health.

Overall, cryotherapy proponents believe it offers a range of benefits for both physical and mental health. In their opinion, by exposing the body to cold temperatures, it can help to reduce inflammation and muscle soreness, boost the immune system, and improve mental health. As a result, they believe these benefits make cryotherapy a valuable tool for improving overall health and well-being.

Still not convinced cryotherapy is worth freezing your butt off? There are some effective alternatives you can use instead.

Cryotherapy alternatives include:

1. Compression cold therapy: If you need more targeted recovery and pain relief, compression cold therapy can be a great solution. The Ice Winder compression wrap delivers targeted cold therapy to the places you need it most, while the wrap’s acupressure balls deliver the right amount of pressure to aid in pain relief and inflammation reduction.

2. Heat therapy: This involves the use of heat to relieve pain and muscle spasms, improve circulation, and promote healing. Heat therapy can be applied using hot packs, heating pads, hot water bottles, or infrared heat lamps.

3. Physical therapy: A physical therapist can design a program of exercises and stretches to help improve range of motion, strength, and flexibility.

4. Massage therapy: This can help to relieve muscle tension and pain, improve circulation, and promote relaxation.

5. Acupuncture: This is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to relieve pain and promote healing. 

6. Medications: Over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen may be used to relieve pain.

Please note, this is not medical advice. It's important to consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for your individual needs.