Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy, also known as cryoablation or cryosurgery, is a procedure that uses extreme cold to destroy abnormal tissue or relieve pain: 

Cancer treatment

Doctors use cryotherapy to treat certain types of cancer, including prostate, cervical, and liver cancer. For skin cancers, doctors apply liquid nitrogen to the affected area. For internal cancers, doctors use a cryoprobe, which is a small stick that freezes the cancer cells with argon gas. 

Pain relief 

Cryotherapy can relieve pain and inflammation associated with a variety of health conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, tendonitis, and muscle and ligament strains. It can also be used to treat skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. 

Athletic recovery

Elite athletes use cryotherapy to aid recovery, condition muscles, and improve their training. 

Home pain relief

A basic version of cryotherapy is applying ice or a bag of frozen peas to a swollen ankle or knee. Other methods of cold therapy include ice packs, coolant sprays, ice massage, whirlpools, and ice baths. 

During a whole-body cryotherapy session, you enter a pod wearing a swimming costume or shorts and t-shirt, along with socks, gloves, and mouth and ear protection. The cold air cools the skin to around five degrees celsius. 

Cryotherapy is generally safe when performed in a controlled setting by a skilled professional, but it can have complications and is not suitable for everyone: 

Complications

Rare complications include bleeding, perforation of the gastrointestinal tract lining, and nerve damage. Other complications include cramping, pain, swelling, scarring, and skin infection. 

Medical conditions

Cryotherapy is not suitable for people with certain medical conditions, including:

• Cryoglobinaemia 
• Raynaud's syndrome 
• Claustrophobia 
• Hypothyroidism 
• Acute respiratory tract disease 
• Severe wasting diseases 
• DVT 

Substance use

Alcohol or drug use can negatively affect the body's response to cold. 

FDA

The FDA has not approved whole-body cryotherapy as a safe or effective treatment for any medical condition. 

Cryotherapy, also known as cold therapy, can be used for a variety of purposes, including treating cancer, improving athletic performance, and reducing inflammation. 

Cryotherapy works by exposing the body to extremely cold temperatures, which triggers a "fight or flight" response, causing blood vessels to constrict and blood to move towards the core of the body to protect vital organs; when the body re-warms, this oxygen-rich blood flows back to the extremities, potentially reducing inflammation, pain, and muscle soreness, while also promoting healing and recovery. 

Key points about cryotherapy:

Extreme cold exposure:

During a cryotherapy session, a person enters a chamber filled with cold air (often using liquid nitrogen) reaching temperatures as low as -200 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Vasoconstriction:

The extreme cold causes blood vessels to constrict, redirecting blood flow away from the extremities and towards the body's core. 

Increased oxygen delivery:

When the body re-warms after leaving the chamber, the oxygen-rich blood flows back to the tissues, potentially aiding in healing and reducing inflammation. 

Pain relief:

This process is believed to activate the body's natural pain relief mechanisms, leading to decreased pain perception. 

Pain relief: Cryotherapy can help relieve pain by slowing nerve signals and reducing inflammation. 

Improved sleep: Cryotherapy may help you sleep better by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for relaxation. 

Improved mood: Cryotherapy may help improve mood and reduce stress. 

Reduced muscle soreness: Cryotherapy can help reduce muscle soreness after exercise. 

Improved athletic performance: Cryotherapy may help improve athletic performance by increasing testosterone and decreasing cortisol. 

Skin rejuvenation: Cryotherapy can stimulate collagen production, which can help reduce cellulite and rejuvenate aging skin. 

Weight loss: Cryotherapy can help with weight loss by burning calories. 

Improved eczema symptoms: Cryotherapy may help reduce itching associated with eczema. 

Treatment for other conditions: Cryotherapy may be effective for treating migraines, nerve issues, mood disorders, and certain types of dementia. 

Cryotherapy works by withdrawing heat from the body, starting at the skin and moving into deeper tissues. This causes blood vessels to narrow, which reduces blood flow to the skin and muscles. 

Sports recovery:

Athletes often use cryotherapy to help with muscle soreness and faster recovery after exercise. 

Pain management:

Cryotherapy can be used to alleviate pain associated with injuries, arthritis, and other conditions. 

Skin conditions:

Some people use cryotherapy for skin treatments like wart removal or to improve skin texture.