Ice therapy has long been used by doctors, physical therapists, athletic trainers and mom’s to treat injuries ranging from bumps, bruises, muscle injuries, and soreness to burns. Today, there's a better way! Whole Body Cryotherapy exposes the body to temperatures low enough to trigger a systemic anti-inflammatory response.
What is Cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy is rapidly exposing the skin to temperatures as low as -250°F. While this may sound unbearable, you'll only stay in the chamber for a maximum time of three minutes. The skin temperature drops by thirty to fifty degrees within this time. Because of the extreme temperature drop, your body reacts to protect you. It goes into survival mode, and draws your blood inward to preserve your core. There, the blood picks up nutrients that aren't being used. When the blood returns to the rest of your body, the nutrients are dispersed. This reaction also triggers the regulatory system, reduces pain and spasms, boosts cellular survival, anti-inflammatories within the body, and endorphins, bringing tremendous benefits to your overall physical health and mental well-being.
Cryotherapy and Whole Body Cryotherapy (WBC) are not medical procedures, but non-invasive natural alternatives to medications, for individuals seeking faster recovery from injuries and improved health. WBC is becoming more and more popular among athletes, people with chronic pain, and those who just want to feel great.
Is cryotherapy safe?
Cryochambers have been used for almost 40 years. Problems arise if a client steps into the machine with wet clothing, especially wet socks, as water will freeze immediately at these temperatures. The nitrogen being used to cool these chambers is the same nitrogen that makes up the air we breathe (78% of it). At all times, participants are breathing room-air.
No other treatment can duplicate these results without a high risk of injury.
(Read further for those with certain health conditions shouldn't do whole body cryotherapy).
What are the Benefits of Whole Body Cryotherapy?
WBC can help relieve symptoms of many ailments, including both physical and mental conditions. Some conditions that may benefit from WBC include mild to chronic low back pain, chronic pain from arthritis, fibromyalgia, and degenerated spinal discs. It can help relieve depression, boost immune system response, and reduce chronic fatigue syndrome. WBC also works great for fitness. Some fitness-related benefits include faster recovery from muscle soreness, increased energy, decreased recovery time from injury, and improved joint function.
For SPORTS / ATHLETES
Many athletes use cryotherapy before and after workouts and competitions to train harder and recover faster. Before workouts, it can increase energy and boost the metabolic rate. Post workout, it aids in the recovery process more effectively than the traditional ice bath. Cryo promotes an overall feeling of health and vitality. Athletes of all levels experience improved performance in a number of ways.
▪Train harder and recover faster
▪Heal injuries and restore muscles
▪Decrease fatigue
▪Improve joint function
▪Tendinitis relief
WELLNESS
The effects of cryotherapy can result in energy boost yet also improves sleep. With every session, endorphins are released throughout the body, creating a natural euphoria that has been known to aid in the cure of depression and other psychiatric illnesses. Wholebody cryotherapy aids in the reduction of chronic pain from rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis and all forms of inflammation.
▪Reduce inflammation
▪Improve sleeping
▪Boost immune system
▪Decrease stress
▪Quicker surgical recovery
▪Reduce anxiety, depression and migraines
▪Relieves chronic pain of muscles and joints
▪Improves circulation
BEAUTY
During the treatment the skin vessels and capillaries undergo intense vasoconstriction followed by vasodilation immediately upon finishing the session. Toxins and stored deposits are broken up and flushed from the layers of skin. The extreme cold activates collagen production in the deeper layers of the skin. After several treatments clients may notice the skin becoming smoother and more even-toned with regained elasticity and improved over all condition. Clients have also noticed a reduction in the appearance of cellulite and stretchmarks. Studies have shown that the average person will burn 500-800 calories post treatment.
▪Reduce cellulite
▪Minimize stretch marks | scars
▪Burn 500-800 calories per treatment
▪Reverse signs of aging
▪Improve acne, eczema and skin conditions
▪Tighter, smoother skin
▪Stronger hair and nails
How many treatments should I do?
Everyone's goals and needs are different. However, a typical course is 5-10 treatments in close succession (separated by 1-2 days, 3x/week). After that you can take fewer treatments spaced further apart to maintain and improve results (e.g. once every week or two weeks).
Can I catch a cold because of this procedure?
No. The immediate cold impact of the Cryo session will raise the internal body temperature for a short period of time.
Can I use WBC if I am claustrophobic?
Yes, you may. Your head, neck and tops of your shoulders are above the cryo chamber. The door is never locked and you may step out at any time.
Do I have to take a shower before or after cryotherapy?
Being clean is certainly appreciated, but it isn't necessary to shower just before your cryo session. This procedure is dry and does not make your skin wet.
Who should NOT use whole body cryotherapy?
The following conditions are contraindications to whole body cryotherapy: Pregnancy, severe Hypertension (BP> 180/100), acute or recent myocardial infarction, unstable angina pectoris, arrhythmia, symptomatic cardiovascular disease, cardiac pacemaker, peripheral arterial occlusive disease, venous thrombosis, acute or recent cerebrovascular accident, uncontrolled seizures, Raynaud’s Syndrome, fever, tumor disease, symptomatic lung disorders, bleeding disorders, severe anemia, infection, cold allergy, acute kidney and urinary tract diseases.
Can minors use whole body cryotherapy?
Any minor greater than 11 years old can use Whole Body Cryotherapy. Any minor between the ages of 11 and 13 years old must have parental/guardian consent and a parent/legal guardian present during the treatment. Any minor between the ages of 14 and 17 years old only need parental/guardian consent prior to treatments.
What are the risks of whole body cryotherapy?
Whole Body Cryotherapy is very well tolerated. Fluctuations in blood pressure during the procedure can change by 10 points (this effect reverses after the end of the procedure, as peripheral circulation returns to normal), allergic reaction to extreme cold (rare), claustrophobia, redness and skin burns (only if exposed to low temperatures longer than recommended) have been reported.
What should I wear for my Whole Body Cryotherapy session?
Cryotherapy is skin level and the sudden change in skin temperature forces the body to react. Therefore, it is beneficial to have as much skin exposed as possible, however, clothing is required. Cotton clothing works the best in the cold temperature. Cotton socks of any length, shorts and shirts for both men and women, and women should wear a sport bra or a bra without underwire.
It is vitally important that all participants should be clean, completely dry and not wearing any metal on or in clothing.
Please remove all jewelry prior to your visit as we will not be responsible for lost items.
I've booked my cryo sessions. What should I expect during my visit at Cryo and Chiro?
After checking in and making sure all waivers have been signed, we can get started!
You will enter into a changing area, located on either side of the cryo chamber. Here, you may remove jewelry, clothing and shoes and then enter the cryo chamber. The cryo chamber resembles a tanning bed, but upright, and open at the top. The door of the cryo chamber works the same as a tanning bed lid - you won't ever be locked in. There are strong magnets that keep the cryo chamber door 'closed', but can easily push open from the inside. After pulling the door shut, the platform on the chamber floor is raised so your head and neck are above the chamber itself.
During your 3 minute session, you will be required to slowly turn in a circle. This allows the nitrogen to flow freely around your entire body. You may either raise your hands and arms out of the chamber or keep them down, away from your body. If you would like to keep your arms down, gloves will be provided. It's advised that you do not talk during your session in order to keep you from inhaling too much nitrogen
After your session is over, the platform will be lowered and you can exit the chamber and go back to the changing area. You will feel your body begin to warm back up instantly as your blood moves back to your extremities. Many participants say they experience a warm and tingly sensation. Increased energy levels are commonly experienced within a few minutes. Next, you can head to the whole body vibration platform for few minutes of light exercise, helping you to warm up faster.
Warning: You may feel you can conquer the world after 1 session!!
If you believe that Whole Body Cryotherapy may benefit you, be sure to schedule an appointment with us!