13 Benefits of Whole-Body Cryotherapy + Side Effects

The human body is not new to pain and aches once in a while. Of course, this has led the world into digging deeper for fail-safe ways of treating pain.

In recent years, a new form of treatment has surfaced, claiming to alleviate pain symptoms and help improve other diseases. It’s called whole-body cryotherapy.

What Is Cryotherapy?

In cryotherapy, your whole body is exposed to extremely cold temperatures for a short time. This happens in a cryo-chamber where an individual is submerged naked except for covering the extremities.

What Does Cryotherapy Do?

The theory has it that cryotherapy effectively treats pain, inflammation, and swelling. However, it’s not a medically-prescribed treatment option. That’s why you don’t need to have a prescription or go to the doctor’s office for it. Instead, it’s more commonly available in spas, gyms, and wellness centers.

The mechanism of cryotherapy is similar to how you’d apply ice to a swelling. The tanks used for whole-body cryotherapy are cooled to temperatures as cold as -200 to -300°F.

Health Benefits of Cryotherapy

Several studies and research have shown whole-cryotherapy to be beneficial in treating health conditions. These include:

Pain & Inflammation

Cryotherapy reduces inflammation, increases anti-inflammatory proteins, and decreases pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. This results in lowered pain, with the effects lasting longer in those who took extended sessions.

Joint Diseases

Whole-body cryotherapy has proven its significance in treating frozen shoulder, back pain, and joint immobility.

Rheumatic Disorders

The most common rheumatic disorder is rheumatoid arthritis, which causes chronic pain and inflammation in joints and muscles.

When individuals with rheumatoid arthritis were exposed to cryo-chambers, they reported positive changes, such as improved functionality, reduced pain, and enhanced overall wellbeing.

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune disorder causing the degeneration of an individual’s nerves.

Symptoms range from weak muscles, fatigue, numbness, mood changes, and others, all of which cryotherapy can help reduce.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia causes trouble sleeping, severe muscle and body pain, and fatigue.

When treated with whole-body cryotherapy, these symptoms can be alleviated, thereby improving the quality of life.

Migraine

Migraine relates to pain in one-half of the head. Cryotherapy works by creating a pain relief response and slowing down pain signals’ transmission within the nervous system. 

Anxiety & Depression

Cryotherapy can be used in conjunction with prescribed medication to reduce symptoms associated with depression. However, it’s not effective against mood swings. 

Eczema

Eczema is a skin condition affecting women and men alike.

Whole-body cryotherapy can work to an extent by reducing itchiness, soreness, dryness, and reddened skin.

Restless Leg Syndrome

Compared to localized cryotherapy, WBC delivers better results in treating RLS.

Other Cryotherapy Benefits

i. Increased Exercise Performance

ii. Boosted Immunity

iii. Exercise Recovery

iv. Reduced Oxidative Stress

Cryotherapy Risks

Although no long-term side effects are associated with whole-body cryotherapy, there are still some risks with excessive usage.

Increased Blood Pressure

Some individuals may experience increased blood pressure after each session. Consequently, it may decrease the heart rate.

Breathing Difficulties

People with breathing problems can undergo complications in the cryo-chambers as it can cause minor constrictions in the airway passage.

Allergy

Not everyone responds well to cold. Therefore, it’s not uncommon for cold therapy to trigger allergic reactions.

Is Cryotherapy Good for You?

Individuals with breathing problems, cardiovascular diseases, or certain allergies are not suitable candidates for whole-body cryotherapy.

Moreover, WBC is not an FDA-approved treatment method. But due to proven cryotherapy benefits, it can provide some relief from most common ailments like chronic pain and inflammation.

The Final Word

There are always two sides to a coin. And just like anything, whole-body cryotherapy is no different when it’s about benefits versus risks. Therefore, it’s important to discuss with your doctor to decide whether WBC is good for you.

If your doctor gives you the go-ahead, you can rely on us to connect you with experienced professionals offering cryotherapy in Ibiza within a controlled environment.