Cryotherapy — literally “cold therapy” — uses very cold temperatures to help reduce pain and inflammation and support recovery. It ranges from a simple ice pack to whole body cryotherapy, where the whole body is briefly exposed to extreme cold for a few minutes.
The technique was popularized in Japan and Europe before spreading worldwide.
How it works
When tissues are exposed to extreme cold, blood vessels constrict and blood flow to the extremities slows. This can help damaged tissue recover more quickly while reducing inflammation and lowering pain.
Potential benefits
Reported and studied uses for cryotherapy include several areas, though the strength of evidence varies.
- Pain and muscle recovery — easing fatigue and inflammation
- Skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis
- Arthritis — reducing inflammation and pain symptoms
- Metabolism — some claim a calorie-burning effect, though evidence is limited
A note on the evidence
It is worth being measured here: long-term, high-quality studies on whole body cryotherapy remain limited, and many claims rest on early research or anecdotal reports. Cryotherapy is best viewed as a complement to — not a replacement for — proven care, and you should check with a physician if you have a medical condition.
Talk to a physician
Curious whether cryotherapy fits your wellness goals? Ask our Acworth, Georgia team.