What Is Cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy, also known as cold therapy, is a medical treatment that involves exposing the body to extremely cold temperatures for a short period of time.
Cryotherapy Benefits
Reduces Inflammation and Swelling
Inflammation occurs from the immune system’s process of responding to any irritant, whether physical (an injury), biological (a pathogen), or due to toxin exposure (such as from chemicals or radiation). The inflammatory response is what causes the familiar pain, swelling, and redness at the site of an injury. As part of this process, local white blood cells respond to these irritants by removing pathogens, bacteria, and any damaged cells. These white blood cells release different types of proteins, some of which having an anti-inflammatory effect, and some of which having an inflammatory effect. Research has shown that cryotherapy decreases the inflammatory proteins and increases the anti-inflammatory proteins at the site of the injury, which leads to an accelerated healing process (Garcia et al., 2020). Cryotherapy can also help with edema by inducing vasoconstriction, which reduces blood flow and fluid accumulation in the affected area. It can also help alleviate pain and discomfort associated with edema by numbing the nerve endings in the affected area, which can provide symptomatic relief. Additionally, it's also been found to help in pain management of aching joints caused by rheumatoid arthritis.
Improves Recovery From Exercise and Injuries
During cryotherapy, the cold temperature causes the recipient’s blood vessels to constrict. During the treatment, this vasoconstriction initially causes blood flow to the site of the sports injury (or to the muscular micro-tears that ordinarily occur during exercise) to decrease. However, immediately following the treatment, those same blood vessels then dilate (meaning they widen) in response, causing an ultimate increase in blood flow to the site undergoing healing. This increased blood flow accelerates the recovery process by simultaneously carrying oxygen and nutrients to the affected area and carrying waste away from the affected area (Cornerwell, 2022).
Reduces Muscle Soreness
Cryotherapy can reduce muscle soreness via several mechanisms, two of which being a short-term reduction in pain following injury and a longer-term reduction in delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) following exercise-related muscular microtears. Due to the freezing, cold temperatures applied in cryotherapy sessions, recipients experience a natural painkilling effect by temporarily numbing nerve endings to reduce the unpleasant sensation of muscle recovery. A September 2023 controlled, double-blind study of 35 participants experiencing ordinary pain symptoms following exercise found that treatment with multiple whole-body cryo sessions during the 96 hours following exercise significantly reduces DOMS-associated pain, stiffness, and measurable muscle damage markers (Wolska et al., 2023).
Can Improve Skin
Cryotherapy may increase skin cell turnover, which in turn improves collagen production. Collagen production is responsible for skin firmness and elasticity, and its production declines with age. Greater firmness and elasticity of the skin minimizes the appearance of fine lines such as crow's feet and smile lines (Diaz, 2020). Furthermore, cryotherapy has demonstrated encouraging results in the alleviation of several skin disorders, including acne, psoriasis, and eczema (atopic dermatitis) by reducing inflammation and promoting healing through its therapeutic effects on skin cells.
Preventing and treating cancer
Cryotherapy, also known as cryoablation or cryosurgery, can be applied directly to malignant tumors (cancerous neoplasms) or cancerous tissue using a probe or needle-like applicator. The extreme cold temperatures freeze the abnormal cells, causing them to die. This approach is often used for small, localized tumors that can appear in lung, skin, kidney, liver, and prostate cancer patients.
Cryotherapy vs Ice Baths
Both cryotherapy and ice baths are forms of cold therapy, and both have their benefits– many of which overlap. Here are the pros and cons of each that might make one or the other a more appealing option to someone seeking the healing benefits of cold therapy.
Cryotherapy
Recipients of cryotherapy treatments either enter a whole-body enclosure, or chamber, circulating with extremely cold air (liquid nitrogen), or they receive cryotherapy via a targeted cryo device. Believe it or not, the temperatures of cryotherapy vary between -200ºF and -300ºF!
Pros of Cryotherapy:
- Recipients of cryotherapy treatments either enter a whole-body enclosure, or chamber, circulating with extremely cold air, or they receive cryotherapy via a targeted cryo device. Believe it or not, the temperatures of cryotherapy vary between -200ºF and -300ºF!
-
The treatments are quicker, ranging between 1-3 minutes for whole-body treatments and 12-15 minutes for targeted treatments.
-
Cryotherapy chambers and targeted cryo devices are administered in a professional setting and supervised by trained practitioners. They also emit more measurably precise temperatures, leaving out the guesswork and potential safety hazards associated with self-administered cold plunges.
-
Many recipients find that due to the lower temperatures found in cryo chambers vs. in ice baths, these whole-body treatments increase their metabolism.
-
Visiting a cryotherapy clinic is usually much more convenient in terms of setup than submerging oneself in an ice bath.
Cons of Cryotherapy:
-
Cryotherapy sessions can be slightly more expensive than ice baths, if using the DIY at-home method of cold plunging.
-
One must locate and travel to a cryotherapy provider in their area to receive treatment.
Ice Baths
To take an ice bath, or cold plunge, individuals enter a tub filled with water ranging between 40ºF and 59ºF. This can be accomplished via the DIY method, by making a large quantity of ice and filling a sufficiently large tub with a mixture of ice and water, or by purchasing an at-home cold plunge machine, which range from around $5,000 to $10,000.
Pros of Ice Baths:
-
Ice baths can be more affordable than cryo sessions, if set up at home in a typical bathtub that the recipient already has access to.
-
Some individuals find that submersion in cold water has more psychological or mental health benefits than with cold air.
Cons of Ice Baths:
-
Ice baths can be much more expensive, at least in terms of initial investment, if purchasing an at-home cold plunge machine.
-
Treatments are longer, ranging between 10-20 minutes, and setup is often longer, depending on how the ice bath is prepared.
-
It can be difficult to measure the exact temperature of the bath, and the water temperature can change quickly depending on the temperature of the surrounding air, due to the fact that these baths are usually not enclosed.
-
Without professional supervision, there’s an increased risk of hypothermia.
Cryo Chamber vs Targeted Cryotherapy
Whole-body cryo chambers and targeted cryotherapy offer many of the same benefits, but vary in terms of the recipient’s reason for seeking treatment, the method of application, and the duration of the treatment. While cryo chamber sessions are known to provide a global reduction in inflammation and increase in circulation, targeted cryotherapy provides the same benefits in a highly-focused area, thus being ideal for individuals looking to alleviate injuries localized to one or more specific body parts (knee, neck, shoulder, ankle, hip, elbow, etc). Additionally, many proponents of cryo chamber therapy find that whole-body cryo treatment provides psychological benefits, in addition to the physiological benefits found with both methods. Lastly, while cryo chamber sessions range between 1-3 minutes in duration, targeted cryotherapy is often longer, between 12-15 minutes, to ensure accurate chilling of the entire area in need. Because of these slight differences, many advocates of cryotherapy find that a treatment plan combining both administration methods is ideal for anyone with one or more problem areas, so that they may receive the most possible benefits.
Frequency Of Cryotherapy Treatment
The recommended treatment protocol varies depending on the issue the recipient is looking to address. For individuals experiencing acute injuries, they can benefit from daily sessions for the first 2-4 days or so, until their initial injury-induced inflammation begins to subside, at which point they can gradually decrease the frequency to 1-3 sessions per week. For those seeking to lessen the severity of chronic conditions, 2-3 sessions per week is recommended. And for those seeking to improve their general overall wellness, 2-3 sessions per week in the cryo chamber is ideal.
Where Can I Find Cryotherapy Near Me?
If you are interested in trying red light therapy, you may be wondering where you can find it near you. There are a few different options for finding red light therapy treatments in your area:
- Cryotherapy Centers: Many cryotherapy centers offer whole-body cryotherapy treatments as well as other types of cold therapy, such as localized cryotherapy and cryotherapy facials. You can search online or call local cryotherapy centers to see what services are available and to find out about pricing and availability.
- Gyms & Spas: Some medical offices and clinics also offer red light therapy as a treatment option. You may need a referral from your primary care doctor or physician to see a specialist who offers this type of therapy.
- At-Home Devices: Some at-home cryotherapy devices are also available for purchase. These devices are typically smaller and less powerful than the ones used in professional settings, and they may not be suitable for all medical conditions. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using an at-home cryotherapy device.
Risks Of Cryotherapy & Cold Therapy
We all know that there are risks associated with cold exposure, whether from the outdoors or from some form of cold therapy such as ice packs, ice baths, or cryotherapy. However, most of the risks related to cryo chamber therapy and targeted cryotherapy are from improper or unsupervised use. These include hypothermia, frostbite, nerve damage, and skin irritation when sessions go longer than the recommended, demonstrably safe treatment duration, or when proper safety protocol isn’t followed, such as when treatment is administered without adequate professional supervision. Cryotherapy-related complications are incredibly rare (estimated at 0.00225%). However, there are certain contraindications to cryotherapy and cold therapy in general. People with raynaud’s disease, a history of extreme cold sensitivity (or cold-related diseases such as cold urticaria, cold induced hemoglobinuria, cold agglutination, or cryoglobulinemia), hypertension, a history of severe vascular diseases, hemolysis, trophic disorders, aesthesia disorders, significant anemia or anemia tumors, bleeding disorders, a history of stroke or cerebral hemorrhage, carcinomas, frostbite, tissue microvasculature disorders such as diabetes, kidney and urinary bladder diseases, paresthesia, neurological diseases, polyneuropathies, unstable angina pectoris, epilepsy, people with metal implants or pacemakers, or pregnant women should avoid cryotherapy. Additionally, any reputable cryotherapy clinic will inform its clients that it is imperative to enter the cryo chamber with no moisture on the skin (such as sweat after a workout), as well as no lotions or oils, to prevent cold-related injuries. As with any new experience, while cryotherapy is demonstrably very safe, first-timers may experience some cryo-anxiety. Individuals with any concerns or anxiety around cryotherapy may wish to proceed slowly, seeing how their body responds to their first session before scheduling any follow-ups.
References
- Use of Cryotherapy for Managing Chronic Pain: An Evidence-Based Narrative
- What is an inflammation?
-
Cryotherapy as an Anti-Aging Treatment: What You Should Know
-
How often should I use cryotherapy treatments to get the best results?
-
Postoperative cryotherapy: Risks versus benefits of continuous-flow cryotherapy units
What Is Cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy, also known as cold therapy, is a medical treatment that involves exposing the body to extremely cold temperatures for a short period of time.
Cryotherapy Benefits
Reduces Inflammation and Swelling
Inflammation occurs from the immune system’s process of responding to any irritant, whether physical (an injury), biological (a pathogen), or due to toxin exposure (such as from chemicals or radiation). The inflammatory response is what causes the familiar pain, swelling, and redness at the site of an injury. As part of this process, local white blood cells respond to these irritants by removing pathogens, bacteria, and any damaged cells. These white blood cells release different types of proteins, some of which having an anti-inflammatory effect, and some of which having an inflammatory effect. Research has shown that cryotherapy decreases the inflammatory proteins and increases the anti-inflammatory proteins at the site of the injury, which leads to an accelerated healing process (Garcia et al., 2020).
Improves Recovery From Exercise and Injuries
During cryotherapy, the cold temperature causes the recipient’s blood vessels to constrict. During the treatment, this vasoconstriction initially causes blood flow to the site of the injury (or to the muscular micro-tears that ordinarily occur during exercise) to decrease. However, immediately following the treatment, those same blood vessels then dilate (meaning they widen) in response, causing an ultimate increase in blood flow to the site undergoing healing. This increased blood flow accelerates the recovery process by simultaneously carrying oxygen and nutrients to the affected area and carrying waste away from the affected area (Cornerwell, 2022).
Reduces Muscle Soreness
Cryotherapy can reduce muscle soreness via several mechanisms, two of which being a short-term reduction in pain following injury and a longer-term reduction in delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) following exercise-related muscular microtears. Due to the cold temperatures applied in cryotherapy sessions, recipients experience a natural painkilling effect by temporarily numbing nerve endings to reduce the unpleasant sensation of muscle recovery. A September 2023 controlled, double-blind study of 35 participants experiencing ordinary pain symptoms following exercise found that treatment with multiple whole-body cryo sessions during the 96 hours following exercise significantly reduces DOMS-associated pain, stiffness, and measurable muscle damage markers (Wolska et al., 2023).
Can Improve Skin
Cryotherapy may increase skin cell turnover, which in turn improves collagen production. Collagen production is responsible for skin firmness and elasticity, and its production declines with age. Greater firmness and elasticity of the skin minimizes the appearance of fine lines such as crow's feet and smile lines (Diaz, 2020).
Cryotherapy vs Ice Baths
Both cryotherapy and ice baths are forms of cold therapy, and both have their benefits– many of which overlap. Here are the pros and cons of each that might make one or the other a more appealing option to someone seeking the healing benefits of cold therapy.
Cryotherapy
Recipients of cryotherapy treatments either enter a whole-body enclosure, or chamber, circulating with extremely cold air, or they receive cryotherapy via a targeted cryo device. Believe it or not, the temperatures of cryotherapy vary between -200ºF and -300ºF!
Pros of Cryotherapy:
- Recipients of cryotherapy treatments either enter a whole-body enclosure, or chamber, circulating with extremely cold air, or they receive cryotherapy via a targeted cryo device. Believe it or not, the temperatures of cryotherapy vary between -200ºF and -300ºF!
-
The treatments are quicker, ranging between 1-3 minutes for whole-body treatments and 12-15 minutes for targeted treatments.
-
Cryotherapy chambers and targeted cryo devices are administered in a professional setting and supervised by trained practitioners. They also emit more measurably precise temperatures, leaving out the guesswork and potential safety hazards associated with self-administered cold plunges.
-
Many recipients find that due to the lower temperatures found in cryo chambers vs. in ice baths, these whole-body treatments increase their metabolism.
-
Visiting a cryotherapy clinic is usually much more convenient in terms of setup than submerging oneself in an ice bath.
Cons of Cryotherapy:
-
Cryotherapy sessions can be slightly more expensive than ice baths, if using the DIY at-home method of cold plunging.
-
One must locate and travel to a cryotherapy provider in their area to receive treatment.
Ice Baths
To take an ice bath, or cold plunge, individuals enter a tub filled with water ranging between 40ºF and 59ºF. This can be accomplished via the DIY method, by making a large quantity of ice and filling a sufficiently large tub with a mixture of ice and water, or by purchasing an at-home cold plunge machine, which range from around $5,000 to $10,000.
Pros of Ice Baths:
-
Ice baths can be more affordable than cryo sessions, if set up at home in a typical bathtub that the recipient already has access to.
-
Some individuals find that submersion in cold water has more psychological or mental health benefits than with cold air.
Cons of Ice Baths:
-
Ice baths can be much more expensive, at least in terms of initial investment, if purchasing an at-home cold plunge machine.
-
Treatments are longer, ranging between 10-20 minutes, and setup is often longer, depending on how the ice bath is prepared.
-
It can be difficult to measure the exact temperature of the bath, and the water temperature can change quickly depending on the temperature of the surrounding air, due to the fact that these baths are usually not enclosed.
-
Without professional supervision, there’s an increased risk of hypothermia.
Cryo Chamber vs Targeted Cryotherapy
Whole-body cryo chambers and targeted cryotherapy offer many of the same benefits, but vary in terms of the recipient’s reason for seeking treatment, the method of application, and the duration of the treatment. While cryo chamber sessions are known to provide a global reduction in inflammation and increase in circulation, targeted cryotherapy provides the same benefits in a highly-focused area, thus being ideal for individuals looking to alleviate injuries localized to one or more specific body parts. Additionally, many proponents of cryo chamber therapy find that whole-body cryo treatment provides psychological benefits, in addition to the physiological benefits found with both methods. Lastly, while cryo chamber sessions range between 1-3 minutes in duration, targeted cryotherapy is often longer, between 12-15 minutes, to ensure accurate chilling of the entire area in need. Because of these slight differences, many advocates of cryotherapy find that a treatment plan combining both administration methods is ideal for anyone with one or more problem areas, so that they may receive the most possible benefits.
Frequency Of Cryotherapy Treatment
The recommended treatment protocol varies depending on the issue the recipient is looking to address. For individuals experiencing acute injuries, they can benefit from daily sessions for the first 2-4 days or so, until their initial injury-induced inflammation begins to subside, at which point they can gradually decrease the frequency to 1-3 sessions per week. For those seeking to lessen the severity of chronic conditions, 2-3 sessions per week is recommended. And for those seeking to improve their general overall wellness, 2-3 sessions per week in the cryo chamber is ideal.
Risks Of Cryotherapy & Cold Therapy
We all know that there are risks associated with cold exposure, whether from the outdoors or from some form of cold therapy such as ice packs, ice baths, or cryotherapy. However, most of the risks related to cryo chamber therapy and targeted cryotherapy are from improper or unsupervised use. These include hypothermia, frostbite, nerve damage, and skin irritation when sessions go longer than the recommended, demonstrably safe treatment duration, or when proper safety protocol isn’t followed, such as when treatment is administered without adequate professional supervision. Cryotherapy-related complications are incredibly rare (estimated at 0.00225%). However, there are certain contraindications to cryotherapy and cold therapy in general. People with raynaud’s disease, a history of extreme cold sensitivity (or cold-related diseases such as cold urticaria, cold induced hemoglobinuria, cold agglutination, or cryoglobulinemia), hypertension, a history of severe vascular diseases, hemolysis, trophic disorders, aesthesia disorders, significant anemia or anemia tumors, bleeding disorders, a history of stroke or cerebral hemorrhage, carcinomas, frostbite, tissue microvasculature disorders such as diabetes, kidney and urinary bladder diseases, paresthesia, neurological diseases, polyneuropathies, unstable angina pectoris, epilepsy, people with metal implants or pacemakers, or pregnant women should avoid cryotherapy. Additionally, any reputable cryotherapy clinic will inform its clients that it is imperative to enter the cryo chamber with no moisture on the skin (such as sweat after a workout), as well as no lotions or oils, to prevent cold-related injuries. As with any new experience, while cryotherapy is demonstrably very safe, first-timers may experience some cryo-anxiety. Individuals with any concerns or anxiety around cryotherapy may wish to proceed slowly, seeing how their body responds to their first session before scheduling any follow-ups.
Where Can I Find Cryotherapy Near Me?
If you are interested in trying red light therapy, you may be wondering where you can find it near you. There are a few different options for finding red light therapy treatments in your area:
- Cryotherapy Centers: Many cryotherapy centers offer whole-body cryotherapy treatments as well as other types of cold therapy, such as localized cryotherapy and cryotherapy facials. You can search online or call local cryotherapy centers to see what services are available and to find out about pricing and availability.
- Gyms & Spas: Some medical offices and clinics also offer red light therapy as a treatment option. You may need a referral from your primary care doctor to see a specialist who offers this type of therapy.
- At-Home Devices: Some at-home cryotherapy devices are also available for purchase. These devices are typically smaller and less powerful than the ones used in professional settings, and they may not be suitable for all medical conditions. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using an at-home cryotherapy device.
References
- Garcia C, Karri J, Zacharias NA, Abd-Elsayed A. Use of cryotherapy for managing chronic pain: An evidence-based narrative. Pain and Therapy. 2020;10(1):81-100. doi:10.1007/s40122-020-00225-w
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Cornerwell. How Does Cryotherapy Work? Conquer Functional Wellness. April 21, 2022. Accessed October 10, 2023. https://conquerfunctionalwellness.com/how-does-cryotherapy-work/.
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How Cryotherapy Can Improve Your Health. Rela Hospital Blog. March 3, 2023. Accessed October 10, 2023. https://www.relainstitute.com/blog/how-cryotherapy-can-improve-your-health/#:~:text=Increased%20circulation%3A%20The%20body%20responds,natural%20painkillers%20and%20mood%20boosters.
- What is an inflammation? informedhealth.org. May 18, 2021. Accessed October 10, 2023. https://www.informedhealth.org/what-is-an-inflammation.html.
-
Wolska B, Domagała Ł, Kisilewicz A, et al. Multiple cryosauna sessions for post-exercise recovery of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS): A randomized control trial. Frontiers in Physiology. 2023;14. doi:10.3389/fphys.2023.1253140
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Diaz M. Cryotherapy as an Anti-Aging Treatment: What You Should Know. LinkedIn. December 12, 2020. Accessed October 13, 2023. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/cryotherapy-anti-aging-treatment-what-you-should-know-mercedes-diaz.
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Lowrey T. Why is cryotherapy better than an ice bath? Strength, Mobility & Recovery. October 14, 2020. Accessed October 13, 2023. https://www.strengthmobilityrecovery.com.au/post/why-is-cryotherapy-better-than-an-ice-bath.
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Kummer M. The cold plunge review: Hands-on ice bath testing and comparison. Michael Kummer. February 13, 2023. Accessed October 13, 2023. https://michaelkummer.com/health/plunge-review/.
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Degree Wellness. How often should I use cryotherapy treatments to get the best results? oDegree Wellness. June 17, 2019. Accessed October 13, 2023. https://www.degreewellness.com/2019/06/how-often-should-i-use-cryotherapy-treatments-to-get-the-best-results/.
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5 Cryotherapy Side Effects Therapists Should Watch For. HomeCEUConnection. 2018. Accessed October 14, 2023. https://www.homeceuconnection.com/blog/cryotherapy-side-effects-therapists/.
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Cryotherapy. The Giving Tree Collective. Accessed October 14, 2023. https://www.thegivingtreecollective.com/cryotherapy#:~:text=Treatments%20can%20help%20with%20muscle,pregnancy%2C%20or%20hypersensitivity%20to%20cold.
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Wilke B, Weiner RD. Postoperative cryotherapy: Risks versus benefits of continuous-flow cryotherapy units. Clinics in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery. 2003;20(2):307-322. doi:10.1016/s0891-8422(03)00009-0
Get In Contact
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Location
4434 E Pacific Coast Highway
Long Beach, California 90804
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11:00AM - 07:00PM
Saturday - Sunday
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Get In Contact
Call
Location
4434 E Pacific Coast Highway
Long Beach, California 90804
Hours
Monday - Friday
11:00AM - 07:00PM
Saturday - Sunday
11:00AM - 4:00PM