CryoTherapy. Ever heard of it? It's not your typical mainstream treatment that a doctor
prescribes. But this unique therapy offers natural and supposedly safe health benefits.
But without FDA approval, does this therapy really perform on its promises? We stopped
by Cryo Body Works in Austin, Texas to find out everything you need to know about this
alternative therapy. Whole body cryotherapy is a natural, noninvasive
way to activate the body’s natural response to recover as it’s exposed to very cold
temperatures. And so we expose your body from your neck and below to dry vapor for about
three minutes at 220 degrees below zero. The extreme cold stimulates skin sensors,
activating a Central Nervous System response. This causes the release of endorphins, the
body’s natural pain inhibitors and mood elevators. The enhanced circulation of blood
movement into and out of the core decreases inflammation by clearing toxins. The outer
layers of your skin drops to approximately 50 degrees F and your body immediately feels
the effects. It sounds extreme but that’s really designed
just so your body pulls all of your blood supply into your core to protect the visceral
core organs. And that is powerful enough to stimulate anti-inflammatory proteins.
Some of the proposed benefits that cryotherapy offers is increased circulation, athletic
and injury recovery, immune system support, fibromyalgia relief, insomnia relief, an alternative
psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema treatment, it also helps with stress, mood and energy.
And according to Caulen Lauria from Cryo Body Works, you burn between 500-800 calories per
session, so it acts as a metabolism boost and cellulite reduction therapy. However,
many still question its safety, especially for young children and the elderly."
We’ve had eight year olds all the way to 80 year olds.
You may know that athletes sometimes get in an ice bath to help with recovery after a
workout or competition. What’s the difference between an ice bath and cryotherapy?
Whole body cryotherapy is activating a systemic response to your whole body. Localized icing
is going to be very effective but it’s only going to be a localized effect. Cryotherapy
is going to be about 5 times as powerful in terms of the response that you’re creating
and you’re also having endorphins that are coming from that, stress hormones, and creating
a much more powerful full body effect. Cryotherapy is not approved by the US Food
and Drug Administration. As with anything there are risks associated with this therapy,
so it is very important to make sure the facility you are using has been approved by the city
for proper safety measures. Make sure to follow all instructions given by facility employees
and never try cryotherapy without supervision. Very little large studies on the effectiveness
of cryotherapy have been conducted. According to the Journal of Athletic Training, based
on the available evidence, cryotherapy seems to be effective in decreasing pain and improves
the perception of recovery and soreness after various sports and exercise. However, this
does not seem to translate into enhanced functional recovery. In comparison with other rehabilitation
techniques, such as icing, the success of cryotherapy has been questioned and further
research is needed. But, if you are looking for an alternative form of therapy to reduce
inflammation and are interested in Cryotherapy, be sure to speak with your doctor about more
information and if this therapy is right for you.