Why Local Cryotherapy is superior to an ice pack.

Did you know local cryotherapy helps with sports recovery, pain management. and beauty. Let us explain

The origin of localised cryotherapy, the word "cryotherapy" in particular, originates from Greek words: "cryo" = cold, and "therapeia" = cure. The term does not refer to any particular application of cold (like ice, water, or air). It does not imply any specific temperature, either; so, by this definition, use of an ice pack on an achy joint is also cryotherapy. The known benefits of cold therapy date back to 2500 BC when ancient Egyptians used it to soothe injuries. In 400 BC, the Greek physician Hippocrates applied cold to treat swelling and pain. In 11th century, Anglo-Saxon monks exploited the benefits of cold as a local anaesthetic. In 19th century, Dr. James Arnott discovered that cryotherapy was a very effective treatment for neuralgia and migraines. So, the concept has been around for centuries, only the ways of applying cold have evolved. The modern localised cryotherapy machines allow to use MUCH LOWER TEMPERATURES IN A MORE CONTROLLED WAY, leading to better and faster results than applying an ice pack.

How localised cryotherapy works It involves a targeted flow of very cold air used to lower tissue temperature in the selected area, usually to 10-15° C or lower, depending on the treated body part and the purpose of the treatment. It is not safe to go below 4° C.

Now lets talk about what the flow of cold air does to the treated area: Lower tissue temperature achieved by the flow of cold air slows down tissue metabolism. It is NOT the same as the calorie-burning metabolism of the body. Lower tissue metabolism is beneficial in case of a soft tissue injury, as it breaks the natural “chain reaction” which looks like this:

1. Acute INFLAMMATION of the damaged tissue caused by the injury

2. SWELLING

3. SECONDARY CELL DAMAGE because the swelling blocks oxygen supply to them

Application of cold soon after the injury slows blood flow in the injured area, reduces swelling and prevents more cell death due to secondary hypoxic injury (oxygen deprivation). Cold also acts as analgesic (pain relieving). Lower tissue temperature reduces the speed of transmitting impulses through neural pathways, thus reducing pain threshold, as well as muscle spasms. Muscle spasms and contraction-related pain often occur due to muscle overuse and fatigue, as well as dehydration and electrolyte abnormalities. Less pain helps to accelerate healing. This is a SECONDARY EFFECT of localised cryotherapy. It happens because reduction in pain sensitivity of the damaged area achieved by cooling leads to improved range of motion that was limited by pain. Ability to move more results in better blood flow to the injured area and oxygenation of the tissue. As blood supply improves, tissue begins to heal, and inflammation reduces. In this stage, adding whole body cryotherapy is recommended for more systemic effect and even faster recovery.

In the last decade, beauty-enhancing facial cryo treatments have also become popular. The skin-soothing and anti-ageing benefits, like reduction in acne and fine lines and wrinkles, are linked to impact of the treatment on skin metabolism. First, it slows because of cooling, having positive effect on inflammation and shrinking pores. Then, post-cooling, it increases. Blood flow to the skin improves its tone and texture, while metabolism boost also means activation of collagen production.

Applied to the neck area (vagus nerve), localised cryotherapy can activate parasympathetic nervous system often called the “rest and digest” system. Vagus nerve is one of the most far reaching nerves in the human body, and its stimulation has numerous proven health benefits. It slows heart rate, helps relieve stress and relax, promotes digestion, intestinal and gland activity, and is involved in anti-inflammatory and immune responses.

The benefits localised cryotherapy treatments are designed to target selected problem zones of the body to help provide the following benefits:

  • Swelling reduction in soft tissue injuries and after surgeries.

  • Localised pain and muscle spasm relief.

  • Better joint function because of reduced pain sensitivity.

  • Faster recovery from soft tissue, muscle, tendon, and overwork injuries and after surgeries.

  • Younger and better-looking skin due to reduced inflammation and puffiness, shrinking of pores, stimulated blood flow to the skin and activated collagen production.

  • Deeper relaxation and better sleep in case of application to the neck area and vagus nerve stimulation.

Localised cryotherapy is commonly applied to the following body parts: - Feet. - Ankles and Achilles. - Hamstrings. - Leg muscles (calves, quadriceps (front of the thighs)) - Hip flexors and groin. - Back. - Joints (knees, elbows, shoulders). - Neck and face.

FAQs

How long should one treatment be you ask? The length of the treatment depends on the targeted body part and the device in use. Usually, it is 5-15 min per area.

How frequent should localised cryotherapy treatments be? Localised cryotherapy can be used whenever and as often as necessary, even several times per day. As opposed to many other treatments that require repetition to achieve a result, even a single localised cryotherapy treatment can be recommended and be beneficial. Frequently repeated treatments cause NO habituation and lessening of the reaction.

Contraindications: who should NOT use localised cryotherapy? Localised cryotherapy does not have any systemic effects and does not impose health risks. It should NOT be applied to open wounds and used if the person has cold allergies.

So lets summarise this here for you Local cryotherapy applications In SPORTS & FITNESS, localised cryotherapy helps to: - Alleviate pain from overworked muscles and injuries. - Relieve swelling and improve joint mobility. - Reduce fatigue and promote relaxation and better sleep. - Speed up recovery. In HEALTH & PAIN DOMAIN, localised cryotherapy can be used for: - Reducing symptoms of rheumatic diseases. - Easing muscle and joint pain. - Improving appearance of skin conditions, like psoriasis and eczema. - Relieving migraines and insomnia. - Promoting post-surgery recovery. - In VITALITY & BEAUTY DOMAIN, localised cryotherapy can be beneficial in: - Reducing skin irritation, inflammation, and puffiness. - Refreshing fatigued skin. - Improving skin texture, tone, and radiance. - Reducing pigmentation. - Enhancing mood and sleep.

Our Cryotherapy as well as Red Light Therapy, Oxygen facial infrared saunas and lymphatic drainage, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, compression therapy, Cryofacials, Cryotherapy, slimming, toning and double chin services, IV drips are all available to book in our locations – LondonCryo City (located in Liverpool Street) and LondonCryo Belgravia (situated near the suburbs of Chelsea) and St Johns Wood High Street, St Johns Wood.

#londoncryo #reinventingcool

Maria Ensabella