Cryotherapy is based on the ancient practice of using low temperatures to accelerate the body’s natural recovery processes while enhancing overall wellbeing and vitality.
Whole body cryotherapy is a non-invasive, dry treatment that lowers skin temperature by immersing the whole body from the neck down within a cryotank containing liquid nitrogen for a short period of time.
During a cryotherapy treatment session, the body’s reaction to the cold triggers a chemical ‘fight-or-flight’ response which releases endorphins, boosts the metabolism, increases blood circulation and elevates energy levels.
Is cryotherapy for me?
Today, cryotherapy is used by top athletes and supermodels alike, but the true benefits can be found by anyone who wants to improve their health and wellness. This fabulous treatment is especially suitable if you want to increase vitality, well-being, endurance and reduce pain and fatigue.
You’ll also benefit from anti-aging results, improved mental health and weight management.
What are the health benefits of cryotherapy?
❄️ Increased energy levels: Cryotherapy enhances oxygenation and boosts adrenaline and endorphins, reducing fatigue and assisting strength and stamina levels pre and post-exercise or activity.
❄️ Recovery: Cryotherapy helps reduce inflammation and muscle fatigue or DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) post-workout, ultimately leading to fast recovery post-exercise or injury.
❄️ Anti-inflammatory: Cryotherapy promotes vasoconstriction, decreasing blood flow and subsequently reducing bruising and inflammation around soft tissue injuries while also alleviating muscle and joint pain.
❄️ Pain management: Cryotherapy can benefit medical conditions, including fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis.
❄️ Weight loss: Cryotherapy enhances fat metabolism and potentially burns up to 500 calories in the 24 hours following treatment. Combined with exercise and a healthy diet, it can lead to impressive weight loss results.
❄️ Restores balance: Brief exposure to extremely low temperatures triggers the body’s homeostatic mechanisms, reducing oxidative stress and promoting biological regeneration. This process improves circulation, oxygenates the body, and delivers essential nutrients to cells.
❄️ Mood enhancement: Cryotherapy stimulates hormone production, releasing endorphins that help alleviate stress, anxiety, depression and reduce brain fog.
❄️ Sleep quality: Improved sleep quality is an added advantage, as cryotherapy balances your serotonin and melatonin levels.
❄️ Improves immunity: Combined with a healthy lifestyle, whole-body cryotherapy enhances immunity to viruses and common illnesses.
❄️ Anti-aging: Cold therapy helps the body neutralise toxins and repair cellular damage. The increased oxygen intake boosts collagen and elastin production, reducing signs of ageing and promoting smoother, more youthful-looking skin.
❄️ Cell rejuvenation: Cryotherapy is a fast, non-invasive, and pain-free treatment that soothes irritated, dry, and red skin. It can also aid in managing skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis.
Cryotherapy vs. Ice Baths: What is the difference?
With the rising trend in longevity and wellness, cold therapy is gaining popularity, but people often wonder: Which is better – cryotherapy or ice baths?
While both cryotherapy and ice baths focus on cold therapy, there are significant differences between the two treatments:
Ice Baths involve immersing the body in cold water (around 10-15°C) for 15-20 minutes. This method has long been used by athletes to reduce muscle inflammation and promote recovery.
Cryotherapy is more advanced, involving exposure to extremely cold air (below -100°C) for just 2-4 minutes. This treatment is done in a cryo chamber using cold nitrogen gas.
While both methods promote muscle recovery, the shorter duration of cryotherapy is a key benefit, as it avoids the prolonged discomfort of an ice bath. Cryotherapy also has additional benefits, such as stimulating the body’s natural healing processes, increasing blood flow, reducing toxins, and enhancing metabolism.
Unlike ice baths, which leave you stiff, sore, and shivering for hours as your body takes time to “thaw,” cryotherapy has the opposite effect. It loosens the joints and enhances your range of motion, allowing immediate post-session activity. Many athletes even feel energised right after treatment.
In short, cryotherapy is faster, more comfortable, and offers more comprehensive benefits than ice baths, making it a superior recovery method for many. With growing research and positive feedback from professional athletes, cryotherapy is quickly becoming a favoured alternative to traditional cold-water immersion.
The best advice you can get now is to find the closest cryo chamber and try this new and ever more popular recovery method. Not only is cryotherapy efficient and safe, but it has a list of benefits for your body.
With the overwhelming evidence flooding from all over the globe, it should not be a question of “if” but “when” you will try this new method of post-training recovery.
JN Massage & Recovery Centre in Colchester operate one of the only whole body cryotanks in Essex. Should you wish to experience the benefits of whole body cryotherapy, why not book a session with us today!