How Cryotherapy Could Potentially Help Manage Multiple Sclerosis

Exploring Cryotherapy for Multiple Sclerosis Relief

Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) brings physical and emotional challenges. From mobility issues to pain, vision changes, fatigue and more, the unpredictable symptoms can greatly impact quality of life.

While there is currently no cure for MS, people explore complementary treatments alongside medications to manage their condition. One emerging option is cryotherapy using extreme cold therapeutically. Proponents suggest it can relieve certain MS symptoms and support overall wellness.

Keep reading to learn how cryotherapy works, its proposed benefits for MS relief, what to expect during treatment, and expert guidance on incorporating it responsibly into your self-care routine.

What is Cryotherapy?

Cryotherapy exposes the body to subzero temperatures for short periods to trigger beneficial physical and neurological reactions. Sessions typically last 2-5 minutes.

Whole body cryotherapy is the most common format and involves standing in an enclosed chamber filled with extreme cold air or liquid nitrogen vapors around -200F to -256F. Only the head remains outside the chamber so the body can safely tolerate the cold.

Localized cryotherapy applies cold directly to a specific problematic area of the body instead. Methods involve ice packs, cold water immersion, cryotherapy machines with focused nozzles, cryo facials using small wands, and even ice massages.

Proposed Benefits for Multiple Sclerosis

Research on cryotherapy remains in early phases, but initial studies suggest it may offer symptom relief for some MS patients. Benefits may include:

• Pain reduction - Numbs nerve endings and inhibits pain signals.
• Muscle tension/spasm relief - Cold causes tissues to constrict then flush with oxygenated blood when returned to warmth.
• Fatigue improvement - Reduces inflammation causing fatigue and energizes the sympathetic nervous system.
• Mood elevation - Stimulates release of endorphins and adrenaline for boosted mood.

These effects could provide meaningful respite from some common MS troubles. More research is still needed but anecdotal patient reports are encouraging.

Trying Cryotherapy with MS

Talk to your medical providers before attempting cryotherapy. Once you get the green light, start slowly and listen closely to your body's reactions.

Finding a Reputable Facility

Look for an established center with trained technicians and the latest equipment. They should screen participants to ensure safety based on health history and explain precisely what to expect. Ask questions if anything seems unclear or risky.

Know the Risk Factors

Cryotherapy may not be suitable for those with:

• Cold allergies, sensitivities or conditions like Raynauds syndrome exacerbated by cold
• Uncontrolled blood pressure, arrhythmia, or heart disease
• Pregnancy, seizure disorders or pacemakers
• Recent surgery or healing fractures (check with doctor first)

Facilities also set age minimums, like 16+ or 18+, for legal and safety reasons. Parents/guardians must accompany minors.

Prepare Your Body

To maximize benefits and comfort, avoid alcohol, caffeine, or heavy meals a few hours prior. Hydrate well and wear comfortable socks and underwear without metal. Remove all jewelry and accessories.

Discuss any medications with technicians in case dosage timing adjustments are advisable. For whole body exposure, use the restroom just beforehand.

What to Expect During the Session

Sessions last just a few minutes but feel longer when experiencing extreme cold! Here is the general process:

• Don provided gloves, socks, shoes, robes and headband (for whole body method).
• Technician explains how to position yourself and signal if any issues arise.
• Enter cryochamber or have localized applicator positioned.
• Remain still, focusing on deep breathing for the 2-5 minute session length.
• Technician monitors you the entire time in case intervention is needed.
• Exit chamber/remove applicator and relax in a warm room afterwards as circulation restores.

Sessions may end early if you experience discomfort. Fingers and toes go numb but should not turn blue or sustain damage when done properly.

What to Do After Cryotherapy

Expect to move slowly/sluggishly immediately after as your body warms up. The afterdrop phase as circulation returns to extremities can also make you feel chilly internally for 20-40 minutes.

Be very careful entering cryotherapy while living with MS. Discuss any concerns or unusual reactions with technicians so they can adjust your future session duration/intensity accordingly.

Ongoing Use for MS Management

Consistency brings optimal results. Most facilities recommend an initial series of at least 3-5 sessions close together when starting. After that, maintenance sessions 1-3 times per week or as needed work well.

Record Symptoms and Reactions

Track experiences in a journal. Note MS symptom severity before/after cryotherapy and any positive or concerning reactions. This helps determine ideal frequency for your needs.

Stay Hydrated and Listen to Your Body

Drink lots of water post-session to rehydrate and recover quickly. Note any flu-like fatigue, lightheadedness, numbness/tingling lasting over 2 hours or other warning signs to discuss with your doctor.

Communicate with Your Medical Team

Share your cryotherapy experiences, both positive and negative, with your neurologist and other providers. They can factor this into your overall care, adjusting any medications if necessary and advising if concerns arise.

With expert input, cryotherapy may offer therapeutic cooling and de-stressing to help you gain some control over stubborn MS symptoms when standard options alone arent giving the relief you seek. Proceed carefully and keep your support team informed to use it most effectively.

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.