Are you tired of constant aches, slow recovery times, or skin problems?
You might need a session of cryotherapy. A cool (literally) treatment that promises instant pain relief & accelerated healing. Just by using freezing temperature to boost your body’s curing mechanism.
It can be used in playgrounds for injured athletes or ice baths for generalised body pains. Let’s know the scope of this technique & range of benefits it offers. & know how it can benefit you.
At Main Street Medical Centre. We incorporate all the medical techniques that work in our treatment plan. Providing you with the right type of healthcare for your condition.
Let’s start our guide to cryotherapy.
What is Cryotherapy?
The word “cryotherapy” means cold therapy. It uses extremely cold temperatures to treat a variety of medical and cosmetic conditions.
In cryotherapy, we expose the body to cold air, liquids, or ice for therapeutic purposes. It can be targeted in case of injury (to numb or treat a specific area). Or can be used for whole-body chronic pains using advanced cryotherapy machines.
And it can also be used to freeze and remove any abnormal tissue in your body. Hence, it is used in removing fats or in treatment procedures of tumours & cancers.
How this therapy started?
History of Cryotherapy
The use of ice for healing purposes is as old as time. In ancient Greece, cold water was used for relaxation of body.
Then in 19th century wars, ice and snow were used by soldiers to manage pain during operations. Then other advanced cooling agents come into being. When Japan built the first cryochambers in 1970s. Which chills down then surrounding air to ease joint aches. The concept of cryochambers was coined by Rheumatologist Toshima Yamaguchi. (A pioneer of cryotherapy).
It led to RICE procedure (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) by Gabe Mirkin. Becoming a standard for every acute injury or sports strain. It also has several variations but ice is part of each one.
Now, cryotherapy is part of almost every pain management procedure. & also extending its applications in dermatology.
Let’s learn about its procedure & the physiology behind it.
How Does Cryotherapy Work?
The procedure of cryotherapy depends on the method used. But the general principle remains constant. Exposing tissues to extremely low temperatures inducing beneficial physiological changes.
The exposure to extreme cold results in constricting your blood vessels. Which reduce the blood flow in affected area along with pain & inflammatory chemicals. i.e. bradykinin, serotonin, and histamine. So, the sensation of pain is stopped & the inflammation is reduced.
Once the session ends, blood flow increases. Which flushes all the toxins and aids in releasing endorphins. (the pain-relieving chemicals).
These physiological changes help in achieving the following desired outcomes.
Advantages of Cryotherapy
The benefits of cryotherapy extend across physical, mental, and cosmetic domains. It can be used to:
- Treat post-exercise soreness of muscles
- Managing acute pain & injuries
- Resolve inflammations
- Stimulate circulation & metabolism
- Resume the halted healing
- Relax the body
- Mental wellbeing
- Close the pores in the skin
- Skin cleansing & tightening
- Body contouring
These benefits help in the management of a variety of problems. Details of which are given below.
Conditions Treated with Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is used in managing numerous conditions. Both medical and cosmetic. Some common ones are:
- Inflammatory joint conditions (RA, OA etc)
- Chronic pain
- Migraines
- Sports injuries
- Acute soft tissue problems (muscular strain & ligamentous sprain)
- Muscle spasms & guarding
- Post orthopaedic surgery
- Nerve irritations
- Skin conditions (warts, eczema etc)
- Low risk-tumours
- Mood disorders (anxiety and depression)
- Fat deposition in the body
The wide range of desired outcomes demands different types of cryotherapy equipment and methods. Each with proper application and temperature control. To make sure that the targeted effect is achieved effectively.
Methods of Cryotherapy
Several techniques fall under the umbrella of cryotherapy. You will see all these procedures in hospitals, medical clinics, fitness centres & gymnasiums.
Ice Packs
It is the most common & classic method of cryotherapy. Ice pack can be made with cubed, crushed, and wetted ice. Or the commercial types filled with a petroleum distillate gel material.
They are used for fall injuries or any type of inflammation.
Coolant Spray
It is an instant superficial, cooling agent. Using the mist of ice for reduction of muscle guarding and causing topical numbness.
Commonly used in sport-related injuries. (where immediate relief or numbness is required). Or as a local anaesthetic in minor surgical & needle procedures.
Cold Immersion
When a whole limb or distal extremity is to be targeted. We simply immerse it in an ice bath for local cryotherapy. (e.g. for foot, ankle, hand, or wrist).
Cold whirlpool is also a form of immersion that transfers the cooling via convection.
Whole-body Cryotherapy
It uses a chilled chamber to immerse the whole body at a freezing temperature for 2-3 minutes.
Individuals have to enter a chamber cooled with liquid nitrogen or chilled air (-110°C). Which acts on the whole body and causes vasoconstriction throughout skin.
It is used for generalised inflammation or pain.
Localised Cryotherapy
For localised treatments, specific areas are exposed to cold using specific devices. E.g. Celsius cryotherapy machines or handheld applicators. The cold activates thermoreceptors in the skin, reducing nerve activity and inflammation.
It is used to treat a sore muscle or joint with principle same as simple icing.
Internal Cryotherapy / Cryosurgery
It is a precise medical technique for removing abnormal tissues like warts or tumours.
It uses a cryoprobe to insert into the body via a small cut. The cryoprobe is navigated towards cancer-causing cells. & delivers extreme cold temperatures to freeze & kill them. Dead cells are then ingested by immune system of the person.
Cryotherapy sculpting
It also uses controlled cooling to the required regions. This localised cooling freezes the fat cells. Reshaping body contours without invasive surgery.
It is used for cosmetic purposes.
Each one of these procedures require precision & control. Otherwise, serious side effects can be caused.
Risks of Cryotherapy
Generally, cryotherapy is considered safe. But in case of improper technique or novice applicator, it can cause serious complications. Let’s discuss them.
- Skin irritation or burns
- Nerve damage & loss of sensations
- Fainting or dizziness (in sensitive individuals)
- Bleeding, cramping or pain
- Small bone fractures (rare)
- Swelling, scarring and skin infection
- Bradycardia (decreased heart rate in whole body cryotherapy)
- Frostbite
- Third-degree burns
- Rash (cold panniculitis)
- Suffocation (in whole-body cryotherapy)
These risks can be avoided by adhering to safety guidelines. & using certified cryotherapy equipment operated by trained professionals.
Precautions for a Safe Cryotherapy Session
Before undergoing cryotherapy. Make sure to follow certain precautionary measures to avoid any complications or risks.
- Discuss your health history in detail with a medical provider to make sure there are no contra-indications.
- Avoid cryotherapy if you have circulatory issues, unmanaged high blood pressure, or sensitivity to cold.
- If you have any heart disease, discuss it with your doctor before going for cold therapy.
- Wear protective gear as recommended, especially for whole-body cryotherapy It includes:
- Bathing suit
- Ear and mouth covering
- Gloves
- Socks
- In case of cryosurgery, limit your food intake before the procedure. & arrange someone to drive you home after it.
Also make sure that your healthcare provider is following the proper application criteria too. Like:
- Keeping ice away from the open wounds
- Avoiding too much pressure or prolonged application
- Seizing the session as soon as any reaction occurs
Our qualified & experienced team at Main Street Medical Centre takes all necessary precautions. To provide you with a safe and effective treatment.
If you experience side effects after the cryotherapy session. Just don’t panic and discuss with your doctor to get an immediate solution.
When to See A Doctor? Signs to Beware
Appearance of these signs at cryotherapy healing stages indicates a need for medical attention.
- Persistent redness
- Blistering
- Worsening pain
- Extra sensitivity
- Unusual swelling
- Absence of sensation
- Prolonged discomfort
If you notice any of these side effects. Consult a medical professional immediately to address potential complications.
Getaways
Cryotherapy offers an innovative, fast-acting approach to managing pain. It enhances the natural healing & recovery after various injuries.
Its benefits range from reduced inflammation. Cleansing of skin. Removal of cancerous cells and improved mood and energy levels.
It’s no wonder cryotherapy has become a preferred choice in all treatment areas. Including physiotherapy, rehabilitation, orthopaedics, sports and dermatology.
However, as with any treatment. Professional guidance & proper application are essential for safety and effectiveness.
Experiencing Chronic Pain or Joint Stiffness?
Avail Expert Health Services at Main Street Medical Centre
At Main Street Medical Centre. We bring the latest advancements in healthcare to our Osborne Park community. Our trained practitioners and innovative facilities make us a trusted choice for treatments like cryotherapy in Perth.
If you want to manage your chronic pain. Recovering from an injury. Or seeking cosmetic enhancements like cryotherapy sculpting. Our team is here to guide you & plan a personalised plan according to your condition.
