Cryotherapy has become a popular approach to boost the body’s natural healing processes. It appears that exposing ourselves to freezing temperatures for short periods brings several health benefits like fewer headaches, better mood, improved energy levels, clearer skin, and decreased pain.
So, how exactly do professionals perform cryotherapy? Is it safe, and what to expect after a session in the freezing cold? Read on to learn all about Cryotherapy in The Woodlands, Texas.
What Does a Cryotherapy Session Look Like?
Cryotherapy is also known as cold therapy, and it involves using freezing temperatures of -300° to -200° F to promote healing. There are two types: whole body cryotherapy and localized cryotherapy.
With whole body cryotherapy, you enter a chamber standing up while your head sticks out. Then, the technician starts the machine, applying cold therapy for 2-3 minutes.
Localized cryotherapy is administered with a specific device that emits the cold to a targeted area for several minutes. It can reduce inflammation, eliminate cellulite, promote healing, and reduce pain. The advantage is treating a smaller portion of the body, such as your wrist, elbow, neck, ankles, or shoulders.
Is Cryotherapy Safe?
Most people wonder about the safety of cryotherapy, as freezing temperatures could lead to health problems. Cryotherapy is generally considered safe, but the FDA has not approved it as a treatment for any medical condition.
The most important thing is to undergo cold therapy under the strict supervision of health professionals trained to do it safely. However, some side effects may still occur.
The most common side effects are tingling or burning sensations in your muscles. However, these usually resolve within minutes. Other reported risks include skin burns, redness, skin irritation, and changes in blood pressure. They are temporary and resolve within hours.
How Do You Feel After a Cryotherapy Session?
After you exit the cryotherapy chamber, your skin temperature will return to normal in a few minutes. You may feel a slight tingling or burning sensation in some areas during that time, but it will quickly pass.
Most people feel a significant mood boost and deep relaxation after a cryotherapy session. The pain you feel is typically milder or gone altogether, and you feel a sudden rush of energy. So, overall you can expect to feel better and more energized, which can help you improve your performance. Other people may feel deep relaxation which can lead to better sleep.
How Often Should You Do Cryotherapy?
If you are new to cryotherapy, the general recommendation is to do two or three sessions per week. It takes some time for the body to get used to extreme cold, so going over this limit may cause side effects.
After a few weeks, you can enjoy 3-5 sessions per week and experience the full scope of cryotherapy benefits. However, you need to undergo a physical exam and talk to a professional before they tell you the exact number of cryotherapy sessions you need.
Where Can I Try Cryotherapy?
At Progressive Rejuvenation, we offer whole body cryotherapy that can help you with many aspects of your health. Click here to learn more about cryotherapy in The Woodlands, Texas, and schedule an appointment with Dr. Ed Nash.
