Using Cryotherapy to Help Alleviate Cold and Flu Symptoms
Cryotherapy, sometimes known as cold therapy, is becoming an increasingly popular way to help alleviate symptoms when you're sick. This cutting-edge modality uses extremely cold temperatures to provide therapeutic benefits.
Using cryotherapy when you have a cold, the flu, or another illness can help reduce inflammation, ease aches and pains, clear congestion, and speed up recovery time. Let's explore how it works and the science behind its effects.
What is Cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy exposes the body to very cold air or liquid for several minutes at subzero temperatures. Sessions usually range from 2-5 minutes long.
Some of the most common types of cryotherapy are:
- Whole body cryotherapy - Standing in an open chamber or closed cryosauna
- Localized cryotherapy - Spot treating certain body parts
- Cryofacials - Cooling the face to rejuvenate skin
- Ice baths or cold water immersion
No matter what type you choose, the basic premise involves triggering beneficial responses in the body through controlled cold exposure.
How Does Cold Stimulate Healing?
Science shows us that controlled exposure to colder temperatures prompts regeneration, repair, and overall enhanced functioning in the body.
The cold causes vasoconstriction of blood vessels, flushing lactic acid buildup, and activation of the lymphatic system. It also releases anti-inflammatory cytokines and endorphins for natural pain relief.
These physiological responses are why cryotherapy can help you recover faster and feel better when you're under the weather.
Cryotherapy Benefits When Sick
Here are some of the ways cryotherapy can help when you have a cold, flu, sinus infection, or other illness:
1. Alleviates Body Aches
Body aches are a common symptom with many illnesses. The cold from cryotherapy constricts blood vessels and flushes pain-causing toxins to reduce muscle soreness and joint pain.
2. Reduces Fevers
Fevers are the body's natural response to infection. Cryotherapy helps lower elevated body temperature to provide fever relief.
3. Decreases Inflammation
The cold causes an anti-inflammatory response, decreasing swelling in tissues and joints for relief from flu-related body aches.
4. Releases Endorphins
The drop in temperature triggers an endorphin rush, giving an uplifted, euphoric feeling. Endorphins are the body's natural pain-relieving chemicals.
5. Clears Nasal and Sinus Congestion
The cold from localized cryotherapy treatments can constrict blood vessels in nasal passages for temporary relief of congestion and sinus pressure.
6. Improves Immune Response
Cold exposure creates oxidative stress that activates the immune system. This enhanced immune activity helps your body fight illness.
7. Speeds Up Recovery
The rush of blood and endorphins following cryotherapy sessions aids the body's healing abilities. This allows you to recover more quickly.
Maximizing Cryotherapy Benefits When Sick
To get the most out of your cryotherapy sessions when ill, follow these tips:
Stay Hydrated
Drink extra fluids before and after to avoid dehydration from the diuretic effects of cold exposure.
Moisturize Skin
Hydrate your skin well after treatments to combat dryness or irritation from the cold.
Keep Up with Medications
Continue taking any medications or supplements prescribed by your doctor along with cryotherapy.
Protect Extremities
Wear thick socks and gloves to avoid pain or frostbite on your fingers and toes.
Start Slowly
Begin with brief 2-3 minute sessions until your body adjusts to the cold temperatures.
Types of Cryotherapy for Illness Relief
The most common cryotherapy modalities to use when sick are:
Whole Body Cryotherapy
Standing in an open chamber or enclosed cryosauna exposes your entire body to ultra-low temperatures. This provides full-body relief from flu aches and pains.
Localized Cryotherapy
Handheld devices allow you to directly target the cold on certain areas for spot pain relief. Popular treatments are on head for congestion or sore muscles.
Cold Water Immersion
Briefly soaking in an ice bath provides full-body cold exposure to reduce fevers and body aches when sick.
Is Cryotherapy Safe When Ill?
Cryotherapy is very safe for most people, but special precautions should be taken when you're already sick.
- Avoid if you have certain health conditions like Raynaud's, hypertension, heart disease, etc.
- Don't use if you have a fever over 100°F - lower it first.
- Limit session length and intensity.
- Stay hydrated and listen to your body.
- Talk to your doctor before starting if concerned.
The Bottom Line
Cryotherapy leverage the healing power of controlled cold exposure to help you recover faster and feel better when sick. Just be smart about maintaining safety precautions tailored to your health status.
Use cryotherapy as a complementary therapy alongside traditional medical care and rest when ill. With the right precautions, it can be an effective way to find cold relief from crummy flu, cold, and sinus symptoms.
FAQs
Is it safe to do cryotherapy when I have a fever?
It can be if your fever is under 100°F. Avoid cryotherapy if you have a high fever until it comes down with rest and medication.
How does cryotherapy help with congestion when sick?
The cold causes constriction of blood vessels in the nasal passages, temporarily relieving congestion and sinus pressure.
Will cryotherapy shorten how long I'm sick?
Some research shows cryotherapy can help improve immune function and speed up recovery time when ill.
How often can I do cryotherapy when sick?
When first starting, limit it to brief sessions every other day. Slowly increase frequency and duration as your body acclimates to the cold.
What precautions should I take with cryotherapy when ill?
Stay very hydrated, limit session length, protect extremities, avoid if you have certain health conditions, and consult your doctor if concerned.
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.
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