How Cryotherapy Improves Muscle Recovery and Can Even Reverse Aging

Do you know who always has a date on Valentine’s Day? A calendar.

So don’t freak out if you’re single on this Hallmark holiday. You’ll save money.

While things might be cold as ice in the love department for you, not all cold is a bad thing.

From social media influencers posting pictures of themselves taking ice baths to a documentary about Wim Hof, cold water therapy is emerging as a popular health trend. There’s endless content of people climbing into cryo-chambers and ice baths looking to improve their health and fitness.

But people have questions. What’s the difference between these methods? What are the benefits of cold therapy? How much does cryotherapy cost?

If you’re single this Valentine’s Day, don’t worry. You’ve got the money to invest, and you’ll want to after we break the benefits of cold therapy.

The Difference Between Cryotherapy and Cold-Water Therapy

The concept of cryotherapy may seem very similar to your regular ice bath, but they are very different. 

Even though the core concept in both concerns exposing the body to very low temperatures, the techniques differ. Compared to an ice bath, a cryotherapy session is highly comfortable and offers many advantages while eliminating the significant risk factors associated with an ice bath.

Some of the major differences between cryotherapy and ice-Baths are as follows:

• Cryotherapy uses extremely cold air in the range of -220°F to -280°F whereas the temperature of water in an ice bath varies from 35°F to 60°F.

• As a result of the treatment, the skin temperature varies from 32°F to 35°F in Cryotherapy and 45°F to 60°F in the traditional method.

• A Cryotherapy session is completed in 2 to 3 minutes, while an ice bath may take 15 to 20 minutes.

The Benefits of Cryotherapy

Whole-body cryotherapy isn't medical treatment. You don’t need a doctor to prescribe it for you. You can get whole-body cryotherapy at gyms, spas, and wellness centers.

Based on the national average, you can expect to pay between $60 and $100 for your first cryotherapy session—less money needed for a Valentine’s Day dinner.

Pain Relief and Muscle Healing

Cryotherapy can help with muscle pain and some joint and muscle disorders, such as arthritis. It also promotes faster healing of athletic injuries.

Doctors have long recommended using ice packs on injured and painful muscles. Doing so may increase blood circulation after removing the ice pack, promoting healing and pain relief.

A study published in 2000 found that cryotherapy offered temporary relief from the pain of rheumatoid arthritis. The research found that cryotherapy with ice packs could reduce the damaging effects of intense exercise. People who used cryotherapy also reported less pain.

Another 2017 study also supports the benefits of cryotherapy for relieving muscle pain and speeding healing.

Reduced Inflammation

Inflammation is one way the immune system fights infection. 

Sometimes, the immune system becomes overly reactive. The result is chronic inflammation, which is linked to health problems such as cancer, diabetes, depression, dementia, and arthritis.

Reducing inflammation could also improve overall health and decrease the risk of numerous chronic ailments.

Helps Promote Anti-Aging

Data shows that whole-body cryotherapy freezes the outer layer of skin throughout the body. 

The deep layers of collagen are disrupted and respond by creating more collagen. As a result, the skin regains elasticity and appears younger and smoother.

Improves Symptoms of Eczema

The chronic inflammatory skin condition known as eczema can cause intensely itchy patches of dry skin. 

A 2008 study of people with eczema had participants stop using eczema medications. They then tried cryotherapy. 

Many of them saw improvements in their eczema symptoms, though some complained of frostbite on small areas of the skin.

Treats Migraine Headaches

Targeted cryotherapy that focuses on the neck may help prevent migraine headaches. 

In a 2013 study, researchers applied cryotherapy to the necks of people who had migraines. The treatment reduced but did not eliminate their pain.

Reduces Anxiety and Depression

Research findings that cryotherapy may reduce inflammation suggest that it could treat mental health conditions linked to inflammation. 

Some preliminary research on cryotherapy and mental health also supports this claim.

Another 2008 study found that in a third of people with depression or anxiety, cryotherapy reduced symptoms by at least 50 percent. This result was a greater reduction than in people who did not undergo cryotherapy.

Safety and What to Expect

The most popular form of cryotherapy involves sitting or standing in a cryotherapy booth for 3–5 minutes.

Some people undergo cryotherapy facials, which apply cold to the face only. Others use a cryotherapy wand to target specific areas, such as a painful joint.

Most people use the term cryotherapy to refer to whole-body cryotherapy. This is non-medical treatment in a spa or similar setting.

Doctors, however, also use cryotherapy. For instance, cold temperatures freeze off warts or cancerous cells. Though unpleasant, cryotherapy improves with each treatment as the body adjusts to the low temperature.

It is generally safe, but it is essential to talk to a doctor before trying cryotherapy. Pregnant women, children, people with severe high blood pressure, and people with heart conditions should not try cryotherapy.

Having a cryotherapy treatment for any longer than a few minutes can be fatal. So, don’t be an idiot.

A person must never sleep during cryotherapy and should time each session to ensure it is the recommended timeframe.

The BMM Takeaway

Cryotherapy and cold immersion have shown some promising benefits.

There are claims that cold therapy burns fat faster, but the research is ongoing and inconclusive at this point. It’s important to note that the FDA has not yet backed the use of cryotherapy. 

Anecdotal evidence suggests cryotherapy may help with various concerns, including slowing or reversing skin aging, supporting fat loss, and preventing chronic diseases. While it looks promising, It is only possible to accurately determine how effective cryotherapy is if further research can support these claims.

Regardless, cryotherapy has momentum behind it, and it could help you heal faster, turn you into the next Wim Hof, and keep those good looks.

Which hopefully will come in handy next Valentine’s Day.

Disclaimer: Big Money Methods is not responsible for any adverse health effects or side effects resulting from cryotherapy or cold immersion therapies. All information presented in this article is strictly our opinion based on medical facts and findings. Speak to your doctor, and proceed at your own risk.