Cryotherapy is a cold temperature treatment that offers many benefits, including pain relief, muscle healing and reduced stress. It involves going inside a chamber filled with freezing air and staying there for several minutes.
At Hydralive Therapy®, we have a state-of-the-art cryo chamber that can help you achieve your health and wellness goals. Before starting your first session in our Alabama or Georgia clinics, you need to consult our clinical team to discuss benefits and contraindications.
Since the procedure involves freezing temperatures, many people are worried about the possibility of unpleasant sensations. So, what does cryotherapy feel like? Let’s take a closer look.
What is Cryotherapy?
In Greek, cryo means “icy cold.” Cryotherapy uses “icy cold” temperatures to put the body in a state of stress. It involves spending time in a chamber where the temperatures are between -160⁰F and 300⁰F.
This extreme cold temperature triggers several physiological responses in the body:
- Vasoconstriction – causes blood vessels near the skin’s surface to constrict, reducing blood flow to the extremities and redirecting it to the core.
- Analgesic effect – numbs nerve endings, providing temporary pain relief
- Anti-inflammatory response – reduces inflammation by suppressing the release of inflammatory mediators and cytokines.
- Endorphin release – stimulates the release of endorphins, which are natural pain-relieving and mood-enhancing chemicals.
- Metabolic boost – prompts the body to increase its metabolic rate to generate heat, resulting in the burning of calories.
The cryo chamber works by releasing cold and dry air that surrounds your body and maintains freezing temperatures for several minutes.
What to Expect at a Cryotherapy Session
Before the cryotherapy session begins, you have to remove your clothes, except for the underwear. This is necessary to achieve the best results since the cold air has to contact your skin. You will also wear gloves and socks or slippers, which are necessary to avoid frostbite. The operator will give you clear instructions to make sure you know exactly what to expect.
Next, you enter a cryo chamber that encompasses your entire body except for the head. Once you are inside, the operator closes the door and activates the chamber.
Once the cold air encompasses your body, you will feel cold and begin to shiver. While you may experience some discomfort, the process isn’t painful. Since it lasts only several minutes (usually between 2 and a half to 4), you don’t have to endure these temperatures for long.
If you feel uncomfortable and wish to end the session earlier, you can signal the operator to finish the procedure.
Benefits of Cryotherapy
When exposed to freezing temperatures, your body goes into survival mode, which can be highly beneficial. The main advantages of cryotherapy are:
- Pain relief – the procedure can help reduce pain and inflammation, especially in conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and chronic pain
- Muscle recovery – cryotherapy can help speed up muscle recovery after exercise or injury by reducing inflammation and promoting blood flow
- Improved mood –exposure to cold temperatures can trigger the release of endorphins, which can make you feel happier and more relaxed.
- Boosted immune system -cryotherapy can increase the production of white blood cells, which can help boost the immune system.
- Faster metabolism – the procedure can speed up metabolism and help with weight loss by burning calories.
- Improved skin health -cryotherapy can improve skin health by reducing inflammation, increasing collagen production, and promoting cell regeneration
- Reduced anxiety and depression – cold air exposure can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression by triggering the release of endorphins and reducing inflammation.
The effects of cryotherapy can vary from person to person. That’s why you have to consult a healthcare professional before starting your sessions.
Interested in Cryotherapy? Contact Us Today
Cryotherapy can be a highly beneficial procedure for people who want to deal with pain, anxiety, excess weight, and muscle soreness after physical stress.
At Hydralive Therapy, we have an advanced cryo chamber that can help you achieve your health and wellness goals. To book an appointment at one of our Alabama or Georgia clinics, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team today!
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