Cryotherapy is an emerging health and well-being treatment. As a medical treatment, cryotherapy has been used for years. However, more recently, the benefits for mental and physical well-being have made it a more mainstream treatment.
The idea around cryotherapy is to use extremely cold temperatures to stimulate natural responses. These physiological responses may help support recovery, reduce muscle soreness and improve athletic performance, which is why it has gained popularity in a range of sports, pain management and even skin treatment.
But how does cryotherapy work? In this article, we dive into everything you need to know about the treatment, from what it is, the benefits, risks and what to expect from a session.
Cryotherapy: What is it used for?
When broken down, the term cryotherapy translates to “cold therapy”. It involves exposing all, or part of your body, to ultra-low temperatures.
There are two types of this treatment:
- Whole-body therapy (WBC) – this is the type offered at Elements Health Hub, and is when the whole body is exposed to the cold temperature in a cryotherapy chamber.
- Local cryotherapy – this is when the cold exposure is targeted to a specific area of the body. It could be for a skin lesion, an injury or a painful joint.
Until fairly recently, it was mostly used in the medical field for:
- Treating skin conditions such as:
- Wart removal
- Skin tag removal
- Removal of benign skin growth
- Removing certain precancerous skin lesions
- Supporting pain management:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Frozen shoulder
- Fibromyalgia
- Tendonitis
- Muscle and ligament strain
- Skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema
Additionally, the sports industry started to adopt it to aid recovery and performance. Typical uses were for:
- Post-exercise recovery
- Temporary reduction of muscle soreness
In the past few years, the narrative around cryotherapy has expanded to not only cover physical health, but also to discuss how it can improve mental well-being too.
Today, cryotherapy is used in wellness and cosmetics:
- Reduce puffiness and redness in skin
- Boost mood-regulating endorphins
How does cryotherapy work?
Firstly the body is exposed to the cold temperatures.
This triggers a physiological reaction within the body:
- The cold temperatures cause the blood vessels to constrict (this is called vasoconstriction).
- Reduced blood flow may temporarily decrease swelling and inflammation and slow nerve activity.
- When the body warms up again, blood vessels dilate (vasodilation), which provides oxygen-rich blood and triggers endorphins.
It is the restriction of blood flow that can aid pain management for conditions such as arthritis, while the blood flow increase that happens when warming up can help support recovery after exercise.
It is important to note that research is still ongoing on the impact of this treatment for certain conditions, sports recovery and pain management. The outcomes are never guaranteed, and will vary depending on the type of cryotherapy you have and individual circumstances.
Potential benefits of cryotherapy
The benefits outside of the medical uses of cryotherapy are still being researched, but so far the evidence suggests there are a few positive outcomes to the treatment.
- May temporarily reduce muscle soreness after exercise
- May provide short-term pain relief for some people
- May support recovery following some injuries
- May help improve sleep quality and promote relaxation
- May help relieve symptoms associated with chronic pain and arthritis for some individuals
- May support metabolism and weight management as part of a healthy lifestyle
- May stimulate endorphin release and support improvements in mood
- May support circulation during the rewarming phase following treatment
- May trigger cellular responses associated with repair and an anti-inflammatory response
- May support aspects of immune system function
- May promote cognitive clarity and mental resilience
While cryotherapy may provide benefits for some individuals, results are not the same for everyone and the current evidence differs across applications.
Overall conclusions on the benefits of cryotherapy are difficult to draw from the current research which includes relatively small studies that use different treatment protocols and assess different outcomes. Therefore, none of the benefits can be guaranteed for everyone.
What to expect during a cryotherapy session
Before a treatment, we recommend you speak to our experts to discuss your individual circumstances, what you are looking to get out of the treatment and suitability.
For your sessions, you will need to bring:
- Minimal, dry clothing – swim wear or light sports shorts and sports bra are ideal.
- Thick dry socks
- Warm post-session clothing
Before your session you need to make sure:
- All jewellery is removed, including earrings, rings and necklaces
- You are dry from sweat or moisture (including your hair)
It is also important that you don’t put heavy lotions ,oils or perfumes on before the session.
We will provide:
- Protective footwear
- Gloves
- Head protection
This ensures your extremities aren’t exposed to ultra-low temperatures.
During your session
Our cryotherapy chamber is similar to a telephone box in shape and size, so you will step in and stand throughout the session.
You will only be in there for a short period of time, typically 2-4 minutes. While in there, you will feel the temperatures drop. You might feel some tingling or an intense cold sensation (this is normal).
After the session
Once you are out of the chamber, you can get dressed, making sure you layer up to warm up.
You don’t need to avoid anything or do anything in particular; most people will get back to normal activities.
You might experience some temporary redness from the cold, or tingling, but this will soon disappear.
Cryotherapy side effects
Cryotherapy side effects will vary depending on the type of treatment you have. At Elements Health Hub, we offer whole-body cryotherapy, so these side effects are specifically related to that type of treatment.
When done safely with an expert, cryotherapy can cause minor and temporary side effects such as:
- Redness
- Dizziness
- Tension headaches
- Temporary discomfort from the cold
- Rashes
Similar to the benefits of cryotherapy, the side effects will differ for people. Some might not experience any, while others might experience more than one. It is important to keep an open dialogue with the experts at our health hub, so we can tailor the sessions to you and ensure your safety.
Risks of cryotherapy
Of course, as with many treatments, there are a number of risks to consider, should the therapy not be done properly.
These can include:
- Cold burns or frostbite
- Skin damage
- Nerve irritation or numbness
Additionally, cryotherapy may carry greater risks for individuals with certain health conditions. We always recommend choosing a qualified and experienced provider, such as Elements, and having a consultation with one of our professionals before your first session to ensure the treatment is suitable for you.
Who should avoid cryotherapy?
Because the extreme temperature changes can put heavy strain on your body, there are various conditions that make the therapy unsuitable.
You should avoid cryotherapy if you have:
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure or significant cardiovascular disease
- Heart or blood circulation problems
- Respiratory illnesses
- Seizure disorders
- Raynaud’s Syndrome
- A pregnancy
If you aren’t sure if cryotherapy is suitable for you, we recommend contacting our team to discuss your health and what you are looking to achieve. We might be able to find something more suitable at our health hubs with our range of other treatments that include ice baths, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and clinically controlled sauna.
Exploring the benefits of cryotherapy safely
Cryotherapy has grown in popularity as more people explore the potential benefits of cold therapy for physical recovery, pain management and overall wellbeing. By exposing the body to ultra-low temperatures, the treatment stimulates natural responses that may help support circulation, recovery and temporary relief from discomfort.
While cryotherapy offers promising benefits, it is not suitable for everyone, and outcomes will depend on your individual circumstances. Understanding the risks, choosing a qualified provider and having a consultation before your first session are essential steps.
At Elements Health Hub, our team is here to guide you through the process, discuss whether cryotherapy is right for you and help you get the most from your treatment experience.
Book a tour to see our facility and learn more about our cryotherapy chamber. And enquire about our memberships to get the most out of adding cryotherapy to your wellness routine.