Is Cryotherapy Safe? Everything That You Should Know About!

• Written by Sejal Singhania

  Reviewed by Akhil Pillai

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Have you ever wondered why people willingly step into freezing chambers with temperatures between -184 and -292 degrees Fahrenheit? Let us share some quick details about cryotherapy, an excellent well-being enhancer and a wellness trend rising in popularity. From professional athletes seeking faster recovery to celebrities looking for the post-freeze glow, cryotherapy promises many benefits. Despite all the buzz, it remains unclear whether cryotherapy delivers the best outcome or is another overhyped trend world. Let's dive into the icy truth of cryotherapy. 

What is Cryotherapy?

Cryotherapy, also known as cold therapy or cryoablation, is an advanced treatment that uses extreme cold, typically liquid nitrogen or cold air, to freeze and destroy abnormal tissue. Cryotherapy has various applications, including whole-body exposure for therapeutic health benefits and targeted treatment of various tissue diseases. This treatment can treat tissue internally (within the body) and externally (on the skin).

Top Claimed Benefits of Cryotherapy 

Before we explore whether cryotherapy lives up to the hype, let's examine the benefits cryotherapy claims to offer. Here are some benefits that you might experience after undergoing cryotherapy for a few minutes:

Reduces Migraine Symptoms

Do you have a throbbing migraine? Cryotherapy can provide relief by cooling and numbing the nerves in the neck region, lessening inflammation and migraine symptoms.

Muscular Recovery

Cryotherapy is widely used by athletes to help speed up muscle recovery. The intense cold reduces inflammation and boosts circulation, allowing the body to recover more quickly. Whole-body cryotherapy may also improve athletic performance and reduce fatigue.

Mental Health and Sleep

Cryotherapy may also have benefits for mental health and sleep. Extreme cold temperatures used in whole-body cryotherapy trigger physiological hormonal responses that release endorphins, which lead to improved mood, reduced stress, anxiety and depression symptoms. 

Improve Immune System

Cold therapy, also known as cryotherapy, gives your immune system a natural boost and improves leptin levels, which have a proven connection to enhanced immune function.

Treat Cancers

Cryotherapy is a targeted treatment that destroys cancer cells in the early stages of localised cancer. Freezing cancer tissues helps prevent cancer from spreading and can be combined with other treatments. It is also used to treat low-risk cancers of certain types, like prostate, cervical, and liver cancer. 

Treats Skin Conditions and Anti-ageing

Cryotherapy improves overall skin health and reduces signs of ageing by stimulating collagen production and tightening pores. This is often used in cosmetic treatment to minimise fine lines and wrinkles and give your face a fresh, natural glow.

Potential for Weight Loss

Cryotherapy's ability to increase metabolism and burn calories makes it a valuable addition to weight loss techniques. By immersing your body in the cryogenic chamber's extraordinarily cold temperature for at least three minutes, you can burn up to 800 calories.

Blood Circulation

Cryotherapy, or cold therapy, helps your body push blood towards your core to stay warm. This can significantly improve blood circulation, promote better oxygen, and improve overall health.

What is Cryotherapy Used for?

Cryotherapy or cold therapy is a treatment that helps to remove the damaged and abnormal tissues that come from different medical conditions. This method allows for quick and painless recovery. While it addresses major medical issues, cryotherapy has become part of everyday practices, such as skincare routines and spa treatments. Let’s explore the different ways in which cryotherapy is used:

• Different types of localised cancer, like bone cancer, cervical cancer, liver cancer, and prostate cancer.
• Precancerous cells in the cervix
• Types of skin cancer (Squamous cell carcinoma and Basal cell carcinoma)
• Skin conditions such as wrinkles, anti-ageing, skin tags, dark spots and more. 
• Retinoblastoma (cancer of the retina in children)

Risks and Side Effects of Cryotherapy 

While cryotherapy offers many benefits, it carries inherent risks, especially when not done correctly. Exposing the skin and other tissues to extreme cold temperatures can lead to many risks. Some of them are:

• Rashes
• Frostbite
• Irritation
• Swelling
• Skin Discoloration
• Bone fractures
• Skin Infection
• Nerve Damage & more.

Do you know? Whole body cryotherapy is not safe for pregnant women, children, people with severe high blood pressure, or people with heart conditions because exposure to extremely cold temperatures might potentially cause problems and even death.

Read More: What Are the Steps To Find Out The Best Health Insurance Plans for Cancer Patients?

Cryotherapy- Hype or Health Miracle?

Cryotherapy is not a miracle, but it is also not a myth. Cryotherapy provides various benefits, including pain reduction, muscle repair, and improved mental health and skin care. However, like other treatments, it involves risks. Therefore, you must consult a healthcare professional to determine whether it is best for you. Thus, if you are prepared to chill your health, do it wisely, be careful, and enjoy the winter freeze in summers too.

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.