What are the Benefits of Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy literally means ‘cold therapy’, and is a technique where the body is exposed to extremely cold temperatures for several minutes. The theory behind this technique is that immersing your body in extremely cold air for several minutes can give you certain health benefits. 

Within the cryotherapy chamber, the temperature will drop to between negative 200-300 degrees Fahrenheit. The individual will stay in the ultra-low temperature for between two and four minutes. Cryotherapy has a variety of health benefits that make it an attractive option for athletes, especially when receiving this therapy regularly. The following are just a few of the health benefits of cryotherapy. 

Numbs nerve irritation

One of the reasons athletes use cryotherapy for years is to treat injuries. The reason for this is that cryotherapy helps to numb pain. The cold can actually numb nerves that are irritated. In addition to this, doctors can also treat the affected area with a small probe inserted into the nearby tissue. This helps treat pinched nerves or neuromas, chronic pain, or even acute injuries.  

Helps treat mood disorders

Being exposed to ultra-cold temperatures in whole-body cryotherapy can cause physiological hormonal responses, such as the release of adrenaline, noradrenaline, and endorphins. This is highly beneficial to people who are experiencing mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. According to studies, whole-body cryotherapy can actually be effective in the short-term treatment for both anxiety and depression. 

Reduces arthritic pain

According to one study, whole-body cryotherapy is effective in significantly reducing pain in people with arthritis. This treatment was also found to be well-tolerated. The use of cryotherapy allows for more aggressive physiotherapy and occupational therapy as a result, since the pain from arthritis is greatly reduced. Ultimately, cryotherapy allows these rehabilitation programs to become more effective.