Whole-body cryotherapy

Original Editor - Elvira Muhic

Top Contributors - Elvira Muhic, Kim Jackson, WikiSysop and Tony Lowe  

Introduction

Whole body cryotherapy (WBC) is the therapeutic application of extremely cold dry air, usually between −110°C and −140°C.

How it acctually works?

Despite extremly low temperatres, this treatmant is very safe. The nitrogen being used to cool the single-person cryosauna is the same nitrogen that makes up the air we breathe (actually 78% of it). In order to protect the more temperature sensitive tissues such as hands and feet, patients wear dry socks, slippers, and gloves. In the walk-in chambers, patients also have to wear a face-mask (to protect the nose and prevent the inhalation of cold air), as well as earmuffs or a hat covering the ears. During each session the body releases endorphins, which are hormones that make person feel good and energetic. 

Depending on the condition of treatment, it is recomended the pacient to take initially take 5 – 10 treatments in close succession (separated by 1-2 days --- e.g. 3x/week) to maximize the results. After that patient can take fewer treatment spaced further apart to maintain and improve on the results (e.g. once every week or two weeks) on its own.

There is no evidence that anybody can catch the cold because of this procedure. The immediate cold impact of the cryotherapy treatmant will raise the internal body temperature for a short period of time. The stimulation of the immune system can help decrease the severity and frequency of future colds. Also, it is very convenient to claustrophobic people. The cryosauna door is held by a magnet and never locked. The Cryosauna is open to the top and clients' head is raised above the level of the upper rim of the cabin. The doors of the Walk-in Cryochamber are also never locked and clients may enter and exit at their own discretion. Clients who suffer from claustrophobia report that they feel comfortable in both devices.

This procedure is absolutely dry and does not make the skin wet, so there is no need to take a shower before or after the treatment. 

Indications and contraindications

Physical therapists in rehabilitation centers around the World are leading the introduction of whole body cryotherapy to the population especially of its holistic and non-invasive admission. Clinical studies have proved immediate benefits to soft tissue, internal organs, the nervous system and energy meridians. With so many positive effects to the body, extreme cold therapy has no equal for a patient's wellness plan.

Indications

• • Fibromyalgia,
    ** Chronic Fatigue Syndrome,
    ** Osteoarthritis,
    ** Rheumatoid Arthritis,
    ** Osteoporosis,
    ** Multiple Sclerosis,
    ** Phantom Pain,
    ** Chronic Pain Syndrome,
    ** Ankylosing Sponylitis,
    ** Inflammation of the Spine,
    ** Muscle Pain and Inflammation,
    ** Depression and Mood Disorders,
    ** Immune System Improvement,
    ** Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness,
    ** Central Nervous System Disease,
    ** Degenerative Disease of Joints and Spine,
    ** Inflammation of Tendons, Bursa, Joint Capsules.

Contraindications

The following contraindications are known for the application of cryogenic treatment as absolute contraindications to cryostimulation:

• • cold intolerance,
    ** cryoglobulinaemia,
    ** cryofibrinogenemia,
    ** Raynaud disease,
    ** cold utricaria,
    ** open wounds and ulcers,
    **  gangrenous lesions,
    ** thromboembolic changes and inflammation in the venous system,
    ** agammaglobulinemia,
    ** central nervous system disease,
    ** sympathetic neuropathy,
    ** hypothyroidism,
    ** local blood flow disturbances,
    ** significant anaemia,
    ** mental disorders, which may prevent adequate co-operation with the patient in the chamber,
    ** emaciation and hypothermia,
    ** cancer,
    ** Printzmetal syndrome,
    ** unstable coronary artery disease,
    ** valve disorders: aortic valve stenosis and mitral valve stenosis,
    ** diseases of the myocardium or the mitral apparatus,
    ** arrhythmia at a rate higher than 100 strokes per minute,
    ** severe forms of exertional angina pectoris and spontaneous angina,
    ** venous blood leaks in the lungs,
    ** acute respiratory diseases of various origin,
    ** effects of drugs, especially antipsychotics and alcohol.

Some relative contraindications also exist concerning participation in the cryogenic treatment. These includee age above 65, venous thrombosis and a history of peripheral arterial embolism, excessive emotional lability, expressed inter alia, in excessive excitability.

Whole body cryotherapy has been developed in Europe and Japan for more than thirty years ago. Multiple research studies have been published in medical journals about the effects of whole body cryotherapy, and in many European countries the treatments are covered by medical insurance policies. In the United States, whole body cryotherapy is considered a non-medical wellness modality, and health insurances do not offer reimbursements for the service. 

References

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