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science behind cryotherapy

Chronic disease and pain relief
Whole-body cryotherapy stimulates the body’s natural healing abilities. Whole-body cryo uses extreme cold to induce responses on three levels; the circulatory system, the energy meridians and the nervous system. The history of whole-body cryotherapy began in Japan, was further developed in Europe and then migrated to the U.S.
Clinical studies are numerous and focus on various conditions from treatment of pain and inflammation from sports injuries to fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and skin conditions like psoriasis and dermatitis.

During whole-body cryotherapy, the body is exposed to extremely cold temperatures created by liquid nitrogen. The therapy helps sore muscles heal and combats disease-causing inflammation. The treatment further helps to rejuvenate the skin and hair, and can aid weight loss, boost metabolism and improve sleep – especially if used consistently over a period of time.
Whole body cryotherapy also helps to treat conditions like chronic pain, Alzheimer’s disease, insomnia, fibromyalgia, migraines, asthma, anxiety, depression and rheumatoid arthritis.

OneThirtyLabs_Whole-body-Cryo

Reduces Inflammation

Cryotherapy is one of the most popular electro-physical agents used to ‘treat’ acute inflammation after a soft tissue injury. Much of the clinical rationale for this is based on anecdotal reports, with most clinicians accepting that cryotherapy has an ‘anti’ inflammatory effect after injury. There have been a number of recent advances towards improving our understanding of the inflammatory process after soft tissue injury.

Pain relief

Pain relief and muscle recovery are one of the primary reasons for many people’s use of cryotherapy, as studies show that whole-body cryo (WBC) could potentially be a faster and more efficient alternative to treat injuries previously solved by ice packs or ice baths. In 2000, a study showed that WBC can provide short-term relief from pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis. A 2014 review of several studies determined that WBC has an impact on pain relief and muscle recovery.

It has been hypothesised that cryotherapy could prevent dementia by reducing inflammation associated with cognitive decline or impairment, but this theory requires more research and testing.

The same hypothesis of reduced inflammation has led to theories of WBC treating mental health conditions. A 2008 study of 60 outpatients found evidence that WBC could be a short-term treatment for depression and anxiety. WBC advocates with mental health conditions have claimed to feel a euphoria upon exiting the Cryo Chamber.

WBC can support weight loss by using cold temperatures to force the body to work harder to stay warm. Increased effort will boost metabolism through the long-term conversion of white fat to brown fat cells.

Safe for body and mind

Despite the extremely low temperatures, this treatment is very safe. The nitrogen being used to cool the single-person cryosauna is the same nitrogen that makes up the air we breathe (actually 78% of it). In order to protect the more temperature sensitive tissues such as hands and feet, patients wear dry socks, slippers, and gloves.
There is no evidence that anybody can catch the cold because of this procedure. The immediate cold impact of the cryotherapy treatment will raise the internal body temperature for a short period of time. The stimulation of the immune system can on the contrary help decrease the severity and frequency of future colds.

Cryotherapy and claustrophobia
The cryosauna door is held by a magnet and never locked. The Cryosauna is open at the top and clients’ heads are raised above the level of the upper rim of the cabin. The doors of the Walk-in Cryo Chamber are never locked and clients may enter and exit at their own discretion. Clients who suffer from claustrophobia report that they feel comfortable in the cryo sauna.