What Is Cryotherapy? Uncovering 9 Benefits of Cold Therapy

What would you say if someone asked you to step inside a chamber at freezing temperatures? You might think twice about freezing your tail off! However, this is precisely what they are doing for athletes and health enthusiasts worldwide. Whole-body Cryotherapy is a treatment developed in 1978 and studied extensively across Europe. It involves entering a cryotherapy chamber where temperatures range between -166 and -222 degrees Fahrenheit, achieved using non-toxic liquid nitrogen gas. During the session, your body’s surface temperature drops by about 30 degrees Fahrenheit while your core temperature remains stable. This brief exposure to extreme cold causes your blood to rush to vital organs, and when you step out, nutrient-rich, oxygenated blood returns to your extremities, offering numerous health benefits. Here’s what happens to your body during Cryotherapy:

1. Decreased InflammationThink of how you use ice to reduce swelling when injured. Cryotherapy works similarly by causing blood vessels to constrict, reducing blood flow and swelling. Beyond short-term relief, Cryotherapy triggers the release of norepinephrine, which promotes an anti-inflammatory response. This can help alleviate pain and inflammation associated with arthritis and fibromyalgia.
2. Pain ReliefCryotherapy’s anti-inflammatory effects also reduce pain in chronic conditions like fibromyalgia. While relief duration varies, some people experience several days of pain reduction. A study showed that after 15 consecutive cryotherapy sessions, fibromyalgia patients reported improved quality of life.
3. Improved MoodCryotherapy may be an effective alternative for those suffering from stress and depression. During a session, endorphins, or “feel-good” chemicals, are released into the bloodstream, enhancing mood and reducing stress. Cryotherapy also lowers cortisol, the stress hormone, further alleviating anxiety and depression.
4. Better SleepIn addition to mood enhancement, Cryotherapy can improve sleep quality. The increase in norepinephrine and decrease in cortisol post-session supports a healthy sleep-wake cycle, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.
5. DetoxificationCryotherapy claims to flush toxins from your tissues as blood vessels constrict from the cold. Once the nutrient-rich blood returns, it is toxins-free, improving tissue health with oxygen, nutrients, and enzymes. This can result in younger-looking skin, enhanced healing, and reduced inflammation.
6. Increased MetabolismYour body burns energy to warm itself during Cryotherapy, consuming 500 to 800 calories per session. Repeated sessions can boost overall metabolism, aiding weight loss when combined with a healthy diet and exercise routine.
7. Enhanced Joint and Muscle StrengthLike ice baths used by athletes, Cryotherapy strengthens joints and muscles, aiding recovery. Athletes develop microtrauma from intense exercise. Cryotherapy reduces swelling and tissue breakdown, speeding up healing without the downtime of ice baths.
8. Increased Collagen ProductionCryotherapy boosts collagen production, which is crucial for solid joints, ligaments, hair, and skin. It also slows the enzyme collagenase, which breaks down collagen and inhibits cortisol, preventing further collagen breakdown. The increased collagen has anti-ageing benefits, reducing wrinkles and cellulite and promoting skin health.
9. Boosted Immune SystemCryotherapy stimulates a robust immune response, increasing white blood cell counts and reducing inflammation. It may also enhance leptin levels, supporting overall immune function.

With these numerous benefits, Cryotherapy promotes healing, athlete recovery, improved sleep, reduced pain, enhanced skin health, and more. For optimal results, booking 2-3 sessions per week is recommended. At the Center For Quality Life (CQL), we offer affordable cryotherapy sessions with package options for multiple treatments. Schedule a consultation to learn more about the costs and benefits.

For more information about Cryotherapy or other therapies, contact the Center For Quality Life, the best hospital for HBOT, Ozone, Salt, and Cryo therapies in Hyderabad.