Posted by Dr. Nestor Rodriguez on Sep 8, 2017 3:40:00 PM
Cryotherapy is the body’s exposure to subzero temperatures used to promote a natural anti-inflammatory response, release endorphins, reduce pain and spasms, boost cellular survival, and promote overall health. Cryotherapy is not a medical procedure, but a non-invasive alternative for individuals seeking a faster recovery and improved health. We receive lots of questions about cryotherapy such as “Is cryotherapy safe?” and as such, we want to address them for you. Is cryotherapy safe? Single person and multi-person walk-in cryochambers have been used for almost 40 years. Problems only arise if a client steps into the machine with wet clothing, especially wet socks, as water will freeze immediately at these temperatures. The nitrogen being used to cool these chambers is the same nitrogen that makes up the air we breathe (78% of it, to be exact). In either type of chamber, the client breathes room-air. For added safety, chambers are also equipped with an oxygen monitor. To protect the more temperature sensitive tissues such as hands and feet, clients wear dry socks, slippers, and gloves, which we provide.
Is the cryotherapy chamber comfortable?
Before entering the cryochamber, clients are required to dress in protective clothing composed of cotton socks, cotton underwear (for men), and gloves. The treatment is of short duration (2-3 minutes), and the cold is "dry", so it is very tolerable. Towards the end of the treatment, you may get a "pins and needles" type of sensation, which disappears immediately after the treatment.
How do I feel after the treatment?
Our clients report that after each session, they feel good and energetic.
How many treatments should I do?
A typical course is 5-10 treatments in close succession (separated by 1-2 days --- e.g. 3x/week. After that you can take fewer treatments spaced further apart to maintain and improve results (e.g. once every week or two weeks).
Can I catch a cold because of this procedure?
No. The immediate cold impact of the Cryosession will raise the internal body temperature for a short period of time.
Can I use whole body cryotherapy if I am claustrophobic?
Yes, you may. The door is never locked and you may step out at any moment. The session is continually monitored by a trained technician.
Do I have to take a shower before or after cryotherapy?
No, you don't. This procedure is dry and does not make your skin wet.
Who should not use whole body cryotherapy?
The following conditions are contraindications to whole body cryotherapy: Pregnancy, severe Hypertension (BP> 180/100), acute or recent myocardial infarction, unstable angina pectoris, arrhythmia, symptomatic cardiovascular disease, cardiac pacemaker, peripheral arterial occlusive disease, venous thrombosis, acute or recent cerebrovascular accident, uncontrolled seizures, Raynaud’s Syndrome, fever, tumor disease, symptomatic lung disorders, bleeding disorders, severe anemia, infection, cold allergy, acute kidney and urinary tract diseases.
Can minors use whole body cryotherapy?
Any minor greater than 11 years old can use Whole Body Cryotherapy. Any minor between the ages of 11 and 13 years old must have parental/guardian consent and a parent/legal guardian present during the treatment. Any minor between the ages of 14 and 17 years old only need parental/guardian consent prior to treatments but can undergo treatments without a parent/legal guardian being present.
What are the risks of whole body cryotherapy?
Whole Body Cryotherapy is very well tolerated, fluctuations in blood pressure during the procedure can change by 10 points (this effect reverses after the end of the procedure, as peripheral circulation returns to normal), allergic reaction to extreme cold (rare), claustrophobia, redness, and skin burns (only if exposed to low temperatures longer than recommended) have been reported.Subscribe
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As an enthusiast and expert in the field of cryotherapy, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to discuss the concepts presented in the article by Dr. Nestor Rodriguez. Cryotherapy, the exposure of the body to subzero temperatures, has gained popularity for its purported benefits, including promoting a natural anti-inflammatory response, releasing endorphins, reducing pain and spasms, boosting cellular survival, and promoting overall health.
Firstly, the safety of cryotherapy is a significant concern addressed in the article. The use of single-person and multi-person walk-in cryochambers for nearly 40 years demonstrates the established nature of this practice. Potential issues are highlighted, particularly if clients enter the chamber with wet clothing, which can lead to immediate freezing. The use of nitrogen, a component of the air we breathe, in cooling chambers, adds to the safety aspect. Additionally, chambers are equipped with oxygen monitors, and clients wear protective clothing, including dry socks, slippers, and gloves for temperature-sensitive areas.
The comfort of the cryotherapy chamber is also discussed. Clients are required to wear protective clothing, and the short duration of the treatment (2-3 minutes) is emphasized. The "dry" cold nature of the treatment is mentioned, making it very tolerable, with a possible "pins and needles" sensation toward the end of the session.
The article provides insights into post-treatment effects, with clients reporting feeling good and energetic after each session. The recommended course of treatment involves 5-10 sessions in close succession, followed by fewer treatments spaced further apart for maintenance and improvement.
Addressing common concerns, the article reassures that cryotherapy does not cause colds, as the immediate cold impact raises internal body temperature for a short period. The question of claustrophobia is addressed, stating that the chamber door is never locked, and clients can step out at any moment, with continuous monitoring by a trained technician.
The article also outlines contraindications to whole body cryotherapy, such as pregnancy, severe hypertension, cardiovascular issues, and other health conditions. It emphasizes the importance of consent for minors, specifying age-related requirements and parental/guardian involvement.
Finally, potential risks associated with whole body cryotherapy are discussed. These include well-tolerated fluctuations in blood pressure, rare allergic reactions to extreme cold, claustrophobia, and the possibility of redness or skin burns if exposed to low temperatures longer than recommended.
In summary, cryotherapy, as discussed in the article, appears to be a well-established and generally safe practice with specific guidelines and precautions to ensure the well-being of individuals undergoing the treatment.
