Cryotherapy Inflammation Treatment for Arthritis, Rheumatism & More

Cryotherapy inflammation treatment can be incredibly effective at relieving some of the symptoms and pain that inflammation causes. 

It may seem odd that making yourself cold reduces inflammation, but this article will cover how and why those suffering from inflammation, such as those with arthritis, should consider cryotherapy. 

What is Inflammation?

Throughout this article, there will be lots of talk about the benefits of cryotherapy. Inflammation is one of the key issues that cryotherapy can help with. But before we talk about how one can solve the other, let's first look at what inflammation is. 

Inflammation is one of the human body's natural defense mechanisms. When we get hurt by a pathogen or an external object, the body may swell up around the wound and turn red. This puffing protects the body better and increases the amount of blood (and thus, the number of white blood cells) around the damage. 

Although inflammation is necessary, it can also be excruciating. 

Why you should consider Cryotherapy inflammation treatment. 

If you have had inflammation for longer than you're comfortable with, cryotherapy can be an effective way to reduce it. 

It first does this via a process called "macrophage infiltration." A macrophage is a white blood cell that swarms to the injured area during inflammation. However, due to the coldness of cryotherapy, inflammation is reduced when the macrophages are killed. 

Secondly, the cold can also trigger your body to produce an anti-inflammatory hormone called "norepinephrine." Your body produces this chemical when cold because inflamed skin is more exposed to the cold and maintains heat less efficiently- think of it like how a small pot boils water faster than a large pot. 

For these reasons, cryotherapy is popular among athletes. However, it can also be helpful to other people who suffer from inflammation. 

Cryotherapy an inflammation treatment for people with arthritis.

Arthritis is an illness common amongst (although not exclusive to) older people. Those who have it will feel pain and get inflammation around their joints. As a result, tasks that most people consider easy can be difficult. 

For most people, making a cup of tea is as easy as boiling a kettle, pouring it onto the teabag in a mug, and then removing the bag and pouring the milk. But, for those with arthritis, tasks such as lifting the kettle, pouring the milk, or even removing the teabag can cause a lot of pain. 

Although cryotherapy is no miracle cure, it can reduce the pain that those with arthritis suffer from. When the skin around their joints is not surrounded by inflammation, they will have smoother blood flow and, thus, less pain. 

Cryotherapy as inflammation treatment for people with other forms of Rheumatism

Arthritis is just one of many forms of Rheumatism that cryotherapy can help with. Other forms include the following. 

• Systemic Lupus erythematosus- where the immune system attacks the body. 

• Sjὅgren syndrome- affects body parts that produce fluids such as urine and saliva. 

• Dermatomyositis- which causes weak muscles.