Stepping into a freezing chamber may not be your idea of a fun time, but many claim astounding benefits. Cryotherapy has become a widely popular alternative treatment for its many health effects.
Naturally, you may have several questions about it. After all, doesn’t cold exposure make you sick? Here’s what cryotherapy is and what it can do for you.
What Is Cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy exposes you to extremely cold to freezing temperatures of -60 degrees to -120 degrees Celsius — or -140 degrees to -248 degrees Fahrenheit. Doctors may use it in medical settings to kill cancer cells, warts and skin tags. However, most people seek cryotherapy treatments at spas for their general aches and pains.
Experts compare cryotherapy to icing an injury to reduce swelling. The cold sends your body into fight-or-flight mode, improving circulation. This is particularly beneficial for reducing inflammation.
While supporters of cryotherapy swear by the practice, it’s important to note the Federal Drug Administration hasn’t approved it as a credible treatment.
The Benefits of Cryotherapy
There are many benefits of cryotherapy, which is why so many people are eager to try it. Cryotherapy can apparently aid the following conditions:
- Depression and anxiety
- Asthma
- Migraines
- Chronic pain
- Multiple sclerosis
- Weight gain and obesity
Many people with chronic pain are stressed, which could cause sleep problems, heart issues and even more pain. Cryotherapy can treat both issues in one go. Likewise, if you were injured playing sports, the freezing temperatures may relieve sprains, knee joint pain, tendonitis, lower back pain and arthritis. It can also boost muscle recovery time.
Cryotherapy can even help if you recently had surgery. About one-fifth of people get hernias after stomach surgery, which could impact the incision. However, cold applications effectively reduce nerve pain around the recovery area.
How It Works
There are two types of cryotherapy sessions: whole-body or localized. Whole-body treatments are performed at spas and other nonmedical environments. While you might initially find the blast of cold temperatures uncomfortable, many people adjust and return for additional treatments.
A whole-body cryotherapy session requires standing in a metal chamber with your head exposed for a few minutes — usually no more than three or four. The booth will then fill with nitrogen vapor.
Cryotherapy is generally safe. However, women who are pregnant and those with high blood pressure or heart, lung or nerve conditions should speak with their doctor first. On rare occasions, some people suffer freeze burns.
Your First Cryotherapy Session: What to Expect
Most full-body cryotherapy sessions are under $100. A more localized procedure — like a cryotherapy facial — could cost $40 to $150, depending on where you have it done and how experienced the practitioner is.
Some facilities have you remove all clothing besides undergarments, while others may ask you to wear comfortable shorts and sports bras with no underwire. You must remove all jewelry. Additionally, you cannot be wet — either post-shower or sweating — when you step into the chamber.
Because the chamber uses dry air, you won’t need a shower afterward and may continue with your day as usual. Typically, you can expect your appointment to last 15 minutes from arrival to departure. In some instances, people feel immediate relief from their problems. Others might require more sessions to feel the effects.
Is Cryotherapy Right for You?
Cryotherapy could be the answer if you’re trying to alleviate aches and pains. While it may not have federal approval as a sufficient treatment, many find it effectively relieves several conditions. For this reason, it may be worth trying.
