Cold Therapy Options
Doctors, athletes and spas have all been talking about cryotherapy aka “cold therapy” as one of the latest trends in selfcare and wellness treatments.
Doctors have long used it as a way to freeze off warts or cancerous cells. More recently, though, spas and wellness centers have offered such things as fullbody cryotherapy, cryotherapy facials or cryotherapy applied through a wand to targeted body parts experiencing soreness or pain.
Some forms of cryotherapy have been around for ages— applying ice packs, taking an ice bath or cold water plunges or using a coolant spray. It is whole-body cryotherapy that is new. Some athletes use it twice a day or adopt other daily to monthly routines.
Whole-body treatments
Whole-body cryotherapy involves entering an enclosed chamber or tank and standing in it for two to four minutes while the temperature drops to between negative 200 to negative 300 degrees F.
It can be used to treat injuries or chronic pain by numbing irritated nerves. Athletes have found it promotes faster healing. Others report that it provides temporary relief to rheumatoid arthritis.
For some, it is an effective short-term treatment for mood disorders such as depression or anxiety as the sub-zero temperatures can cause the release of adrenaline, noradrenaline, and endorphins.
Another area of research is into whether it can help prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s because it has an anti-oxidizing and anti-inflammatory effect. Studies are still inconclusive.
Cryotherapy can jump start metabolism, supporting weight loss efforts as the body works harder to stay warm.
Cryotherapy Facials
Some estheticians are incorporating cryotherapy into their facials.
This involves placing ice packs on the face during the treatment, sometimes with a specialized stone mask. Another form involves blowing liquid nitrogen over a person’s face for two to three minutes.
Some people also use cryotherapy tools to massage their face daily to treat puffiness and provide an overall healthier glow to the skin. They can be stored in a refrigerator and freezer and used as part of a daily facial-care regimen.
Some studies have shown that cryotherapy can help treat acne and eczema. It can tighten and brighten the skin by increasing blood flow to the face.
Risks of Cryotherapy
One should never fall asleep during whole-body cryotherapy or stay in the chamber for longer than four minutes, as it could cause death. Typically at a spa, an attendant or esthetician is present for the entire treatment and can stop it if it gets too uncomfortable.
If you have a nerve condition or diabetes, cryotherapy isn’t recommended as it could further nerve damage. It is also not recommended for pregnant people, children, people with high blood pressure and people with heart conditions.
Some people experience numbness, tingling, irritation of the skin or redness—side effects that usually go away within 24 hours or less. If they don’t, one should consult a doctor.