Benefits of Below Zero Cryotherapy - Pain Relief, Recovery, Inflammation

What is Below Zero Cryotherapy?

Below zero cryotherapy, sometimes called whole body cryotherapy or cold therapy, is a treatment where the body is exposed to extremely cold temperatures for a short amount of time. During a cryotherapy session, the person stands in a cryotherapy chamber or enclosure as cold air circulates around their body. Temperatures can reach as low as -200 to -250 degrees Fahrenheit.

These frigid temperatures trigger the body's natural response to cold - vasoconstriction. Blood vessels constrict to send blood toward the vital organs and away from the extremities in order to preserve core body heat. This has a number of proposed benefits for health, healing, and overall wellness.

Sessions Typically Last 2-5 Minutes

The amount of time spent in the below zero cryotherapy chamber can vary, but sessions usually last between 2-5 minutes. Some places offer one-on-one sessions with a trained technician who monitors the participant the entire time. Other spas have walk-in cryotherapy chambers that clients can use independently after receiving basic instruction.

Reputable Providers Follow Precautions

It's important to go to an established, reputable provider of cryotherapy services. They will screen clients ahead of time to ensure it is safe for them to undergo the extreme cold based on health conditions and medications. They also instruct the person on safety precautions and what to expect. Wearing socks, gloves, underwear, and for men protection for the genitals is required.

Potential Benefits of Below Zero Cryotherapy

Research is still ongoing, but some studies and plenty of anecdotal evidence suggest there may be a number of health-related uses for below zero cryotherapy. Here are five ways it may help.

1. Reduces Muscle Soreness & Improves Recovery

One of the most common uses of cryotherapy is to help relieve muscle soreness, reduce inflammation, and promote faster recovery in athletes and those with physically demanding jobs. The extreme cold causes vasoconstriction followed by vasodilation. This movement of blood helps flush waste products and reduce swelling.

Numerous studies on athletes using cryotherapy have shown it can significantly reduce DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) following strenuous activities compared to athletes not undergoing treatment. Some evidence also shows improved markers of muscle damage and recovery with cryotherapy use.

2. Provides Pain Relief

The cold temperatures of cryotherapy are proposed to temporarily "numb" nerves and inhibit pain signals similar to an ice pack. This may provide temporary relief for various forms of chronic and acute pain such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, migraines, nerve pain, back injuries, and post-surgical pain.

For chronic pain sufferers including those with rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, multiple sessions of cryotherapy over several weeks resulted in reductions in pain, stiffness, fatigue, and other symptoms compared to patients not using it, per study findings.

3. Reduces Inflammation

The ice cold air during below zero cryotherapy is said to lower inflammation in the body. This includes possible reductions in inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, inflammation in joints due to arthritis, and inflammation that contributes to asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, and autoimmune disease flares.

How does this work? The extreme cold is thought to decrease the molecules responsible for inflammation as well as stimulate anti-inflammatory proteins. Lower bodily inflammation achieved through cryotherapy may provide relief to those with chronic inflammatory disorders.

4. Improves Circulation & Immunity

Proponents say cryotherapy enhances circulation as the body works to warm blood that's been cooled at the surface. This brings freshly oxygenated blood and nutrients throughout the body while clearing blood vessels of substances that impair flow.

Better circulation may promote cell renewal, improved energy and mental clarity, faster healing, and enhanced immune system function. Some - but not all - research shows reductions in proinflammatory cytokines and other markers of immunity after cold exposure.

5. Elevates Mood

The adrenaline spike and endorphin release triggered by cryotherapy may provide a mood boost similar to exercise. Cryotherapy users report reductions in feelings of anxiety, depression, and other negative emotions.

For those with very low energy and motivation such as seen in chronic fatigue syndrome or seasonal affective disorder, cryotherapy may also relieve feelings of sluggishness and improve activity levels, at least temporarily following sessions.

Is Cryotherapy Safe?

For most healthy people, cryotherapy is generally considered safe when sessions last just a few minutes and providers adhere to guidelines. However, there are some groups who should use caution or avoid it without medical guidance. These include:

• People over 60 years old or under 18 years old
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• Those with circulation disorders like Raynaud's or cardiovascular disease
• People with diabetes, hypertension, or hypotension/low blood pressure
• Individuals with cold sensitivities or allergies

Potential side effects include cold burns, frostnip, skin irritation, and shock from sudden temperature change. Make sure to discuss risks vs potential rewards with your healthcare provider if considering cryotherapy for a specific condition.

Use a Reputable Provider

To ensure safety, use an established cryotherapy provider like those typically found at sports therapy clinics, physical therapy centers, gym facilities, and medical spas. They should screen clients ahead of time and offer clear instructions on treatment protocols and precautions.

The Bottom Line

Below zero cryotherapy may offer a variety of wellness benefits, especially for athletes, those with chronic pain and inflammatory conditions, and people seeking natural energy and mood boosts. While research is still emerging, many report positive impacts on muscle recovery, pain levels, inflammation, circulation, immunity, skin conditions, mood disorders, injuries, and overall well-being.

Cryotherapy is generally safe and well-tolerated when precautions are taken into account. For optimal results and to ensure safety, work with a reputable cryotherapy provider on the recommended number and frequency of sessions based on your individual needs and health status.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.