Originally posted on https://blog.sfgate.com/lifestyle/2019/09/20/5-incredible-benefits-of-cryotherapy-youve-never-heard-of/

Cryotherapy might sound like some kind of treatment from the future, but it’s actually a fairly simple therapy that has gained a lot of popularity in recent years. Cryotherapy is the practice of exposing patients to extremely cold temperatures for short periods of time.

Regular cryotherapy sessions may improve the symptoms of many conditions and support overall wellness. Read on to learn more about this type and treatment and how the benefits of cryotherapy might help you.

What is Cryotherapy?

The temperatures used in cryotherapy are extremely cold. They can reach below 200 degrees Fahrenheit. For that reason, cryotherapy sessions are usually short, generally lasting between two and five minutes at a time.

There are several different forms of cryotherapy. One of the most popular is whole-body cryotherapy, which involves a patient sitting in a cryogenic chamber. Localized cryotherapy involves the use of a wand or other tool to apply cold to a specific area of the body.

Cryotherapy is a new practice and there is still much to study about it. Here are some of the ways cryotherapy has been shown to help with certain conditions.

The Benefits of Cryotherapy

Although it’s a relatively new treatment, recent studies suggest that cryotherapy may have a lot of health benefits. Below are some of the ways cryotherapy has been used to treat certain conditions.

1. Pain Relief

Much like using ice packs on an injury, cryotherapy can be used to treat muscle and nerve pain. Studies suggest that cryotherapy may be effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis.

2. Exercise Support

Cryotherapy is popular among athletes. It’s used to treat sore muscles and exercise-related injuries. Regular cryotherapy sessions are thought to help the body recover faster after exertion.

3. Reducing Anxiety and Depression

Cryotherapy treats inflammation, which is thought to play a role in anxiety and depression. Studies have shown that regular cryotherapy can help to reduce symptoms of these disorders.

4. Migraine Treatment

Cryotherapy has been shown to help reduce migraine pain. This is done by using localized treatment on the back of the neck. By numbing the nerves there, migraine pain can be significantly reduced.

5. Cancer Treatment

Cryotherapy could even be a tool for treating many types of cancers. Cancer treatment cryotherapy is done either through a whole-body approach or localized treatment.

Whole-body cryotherapy is thought to help the body fight off cancer cells. Localized cryotherapy can be used to freeze off cancer cells.

Using Cryotherapy for Greater Wellness

There are many benefits of cryotherapy. Evidence suggests it may be helpful in treating many conditions and managing symptoms of pain. However, it is a new treatment that hasn’t been fully studied.

Some places that offer cryotherapy sessions are not medically regulated. It’s important to talk with your doctor before undergoing any cryotherapy treatments. Your doctor will be able to tell you if cryotherapy is a good choice for your health.

Did you find this article helpful? Check out more lifestyle and wellness topics from our blog.