Cryotherapy literally means cold therapy. Or the therapy, your body is exposed to temperatures ranging from -100°C to -160°C in a chamber known as a cryo chamber.
The therapy uses liquid nitrogen. Cryotherapy is also used to reduce inflammation and pain. It is a lot like cold compresses which most athletes use to relieve pain in case of injuries. Basic versions of cryotherapy include; ice massages, gel packs, and ice towels. They are all effective for relieving pain and reducing inflammation but none of them is as effective as cryotherapy. The following are some ways that cryotherapy reduces pain and swelling.
Reducing Pain
Exposure to cold temperatures numbs the soft tissues of the body which may help to reduce pain because of reduced production of pain mediators and the fact that it slows down the spread of pain signals to your nerves. When your brain sensors sense the low temperatures, your blood flows towards your torso and insulate your vital body organs. After you get out of the cryo chamber, oxygenated blood flows back to the other body organs and promotes cryotherapy recovery.
When the body is exposed to cold temperatures, the nerve cells are constricted and the flow of blood is reduced. When there isn’t so much blood in the injured area, the amount of pain is moderated. Drawing a lot of heat from the injured area alleviates pain. If you suffer from chronic pain, cryotherapy may make physical therapy more comfortable. It is helpful if you suffer from conditions such as osteoarthritis and chronic back pain.
Reducing Swelling
After an injury, inflammation is a common occurrence. It is caused by oedema build-up and an increase in the number of white blood cells in the affected area. exposure to extremely cold temperatures in the cryo chamber triggers anti-inflammatory norepinephrine which reduces swelling and relieves pain.
Cryotherapy does not only reduce swelling but also stresses your body enough to keep your white blood cells working at optimal conditions. It strengthens your immune system which fights off tumours and other swelling conditions.
Better Mood and Sleep
Cold exposure releases endorphins from the body. It increases the production of norepinephrine. The hormones boost your mood and help you to get better sleep. Getting enough rest and sleep helps you to deal with your pain better. It has a positive impact on your mood levels. If you struggle with sleep, consider using cryotherapy as your new drug. Cryotherapy recovery is safe and effective.
