Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is a form of cold therapy that uses cold temperatures or extremely low temperatures to support recovery, reduce stress, ease muscle pain, and improve overall well-being. Many people try whole body cryotherapy, ice baths, or simple ice packs to help with injuries, soreness, or daily tension. Treatments take place in clinics, cryotherapy chambers, sports medicine centers, or at home.

Definition of Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is a medical treatment that involves exposure to cold air, cold water, or liquid nitrogen to trigger physical and chemical changes in the body. This approach is used to treat a wide range of medical conditions like sports injuries, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic pain, skin conditions, and some skin cancers.

Many users also report mood improvements, better sleep, and reduced stress, showing that mental health benefits may be another positive effect.

Applications and Benefits of Cryotherapy

Researchers continue to study the health benefits of cryotherapy. Early results show encouraging improvements for recovery, inflammation, and mental well-being, but more studies are still needed.

Reducing Inflammation and Pain Relief

Traditional cryotherapy methods—such as ice packs, gel packs, and cold water immersion—have been used for centuries to reduce swelling.

Today, whole body cryotherapy and cold plunges offer the same pain relief benefits using extremely cold temperatures or nitrogen-cooled air.

People often notice:

• Less swelling

• Lower muscle stiffness

• Better post-exercise recovery

These reactions come from rapid drops in muscle temperature, which reduce inflammation and improve perceived recovery.

Cancer Treatment

Cryotherapy used for cancer is known as cryoablation. Doctors insert a cryoprobe into the treated area and use argon gas or liquid nitrogen to destroy abnormal tissue or diseased tissue.
It is used to treat:

• Skin cancers

• Liver, prostate, and breast tumors

• Bone and lung cancers

Cryoablation is recognized as a safe medical treatment, although long-term success still requires more research.

Chronic Pain and Disease Support

People dealing with chronic pain, rheumatoid arthritis, and sports injuries often benefit from cold exposure.

After the skin reaches very cold temperatures, the body slows blood flow, calming inflammation. Once the cold stimulus is gone, blood vessels expand, sending oxygen-rich blood back into the treated area.

This cycle encourages healing in:

• Muscle fibers

• Connective tissue

• Inflamed joints

Injury Rehabilitation

Cryotherapy has a positive effect during rehab by controlling swelling and soreness after physical activity.

Using an ice bath, ice pack, or whole body cold therapy can support:

• Faster muscle recovery

• Reduced inflammation

• Less muscle soreness, including delayed onset muscle soreness

Some swelling is still natural and can help healing, so cold therapy should be used wisely.

Athletic Performance

Athletes use body cryotherapy sessions to improve athletic performance and increase physical performance.
Benefits include:

• Reduced fatigue

• Better sports performance

• Quicker recovery after intense training

Many athletes feel refreshed and energized after cryotherapy sessions, describing it as a reset for the nervous system, especially the sympathetic nervous system.

Skin Treatment

Cryotherapy treats several skin conditions and abnormal tissue on the surface.
Cold sprays or liquid nitrogen can remove:

• Warts

• Skin tags

• Keratosis

• Small lesions

This approach is widely used in dermatology.

Mental Health and Stress Support

Extreme cold triggers a strong chemical response.
People report improvements in:

• Mood

• Stress

• Stomach pain linked to anxiety

• Focus and overall well-being

Studies suggest these outcomes may come from higher dopamine, adrenaline, and endorphin release. While research is ongoing, the early results show real potential.

How Cryotherapy Works

Cryotherapy works by lowering the temperature of the skin and underlying tissues.
Different approaches exist:

• Ice baths and cold water

• Ice packs

• Cold chambers

• Cryotherapy chamber sessions

• Cold air or nitrogen-based cooling

• Traditional cryotherapy tools

Cooling the skin triggers physical responses such as slower nerve activity, reduced pain, and controlled blood flow, all of which promote healing.

The Physiology

Cryotherapy affects:

• Nerves

• Hormones

• Circulation

• Pain perception

These changes occur both locally and throughout the whole body, which is why cryotherapy has so many therapeutic benefits.

Cryotherapy Methods and Devices

Common cryotherapy devices include:

• Ice packs

• Cold sprays

• Ice baths

• Cryotherapy chambers

• Cryoprobes for internal treatment

All of them aim to expose tissues to extreme cold temperatures long enough to activate healing responses.

Whole-Body Cryotherapy

During a session, the user stands inside a chamber cooled by nitrogen-cooled air or liquid nitrogen.
Sessions last 2–3 minutes and may improve:

• Sleep quality

• Metabolism and weight loss

• Muscle soreness

• Stress reduction

Users wear protective clothing and a nose and mouth mask to avoid injury.

Internal and External Cryotherapy

External cryotherapy is the most common and includes ice packs, cold air, and water-based methods.
Internal cryotherapy uses a cryoprobe to reach deeper diseased tissue, especially during cancer treatment or vein procedures.

Clinical Use

Clinics use advanced tools like cryoprobes and cryotherapy chambers under professional supervision.
Whole-body cryotherapy should always be monitored to prevent cold-related injury.

Cryotherapy at Home

Home methods include:

• Ice baths

• Cold water immersion

• Ice packs

• Gel packs

These carry fewer risks compared to clinical devices but should still be used carefully. Always consult a doctor if you have underlying health conditions or blood pressure concerns.

Safety Considerations

Cryotherapy is generally safe, but the risks of cryotherapy include frostbite, nerve irritation, and prolonged exposure injuries.
Short, controlled sessions reduce the risk significantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cryotherapy safe?

Yes, when performed correctly and under supervision.

Does whole body cryotherapy hurt?

It feels intense, but most users describe pressure or discomfort rather than pain.

Can cryotherapy cause frostbite?

Yes, but it’s rare. Proper timing and safety gear prevent most issues.

How long has cryotherapy been used?

Cold treatments date back to ancient medicine, while modern whole body cryotherapy began in Japan in the 1970s.

References

Whole Body Cryotherapy Induced Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome (P3.118) | Neurology

Cryosurgery for common skin conditions

Cryoablation for cancer - Mayo Clinic

Definition of cryoablation - NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms

Cryotherapy Reduces Inflammatory Response Without Altering Muscle Regeneration Process and Extracellular Matrix Remodeling of Rat Muscle - PMC 

Cryosurgery to Treat Cancer - NCI

The cold truth: the role of cryotherapy in the treatment of injury and recovery from exercise

Whole-body cryotherapy as adjunct treatment of depressive and anxiety disorders - PMC

Performance of two tools for pulmonary vein occlusion assessment with a novel navigation system in cryoballoon ablation procedure