Discover the benefits
of cryotherapy for the
body and mind with Align Chiropractic Clinic.

Modern advancements in the medical industry have led to some groundbreaking new methods for treating a multitude of health concerns and conditions. One of these treatments is called cryotherapy, which can also be known as cold therapy.

Cryotherapy is administered within a cold chamber that allows a patient’s body, excluding the head, to be surrounded by extreme cold for a short time. The treatment time is incredibly brief due to the extent of the frigid cold temperatures that patients are subjected to. Generally, the cold is administered in segments ranging from one to three minutes at a time, but patients are always given the option to stop treatment at any time.

The benefits of cryotherapy are achieved by using liquid nitrogen to get the chamber temperature well below -200 degrees. The use of liquid nitrogen is why the head remains out of the chamber at all times to avoid any accidental inhalation of potentially harmful gases. Patients are dressed in either their undergarments or swimming attire and are instructed to remove any metal (i.e., rings, necklaces, piercings, etc.) that may touch the skin as this could result in burns to the skin due to the extreme drop in temperature of the metal inside the chamber. To help maintain proper circulation to patients’ hands and feet during the brief treatment, they are provided slippers and gloves.

“The most therapeutic benefit is reached in two to three-minute time frames,” says Dr. Brandon Johns with Align Chiropractic Clinic.

Benefits can range from improved moods and calmed anxiety to improved neurological function, decreased arthritis, improved circulation, and improved recovery time from injury or illness. Cryotherapy can also treat an impressive number of conditions. Some of these conditions include prostate and liver cancer, mental health conditions, inflammatory problems, and neurological disorders. Cryotherapy is thought to stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, the body’s flight or fight response. Exposure to extreme cold in short bursts can produce anti-inflammatory molecules and noradrenaline, a neurotransmitter and hormone, in a patient’s body to help them function properly. It can also help stimulate neurotrophic factors that aid in nerve development and promote the release of endorphins, which improve mood and boost energy.

For some people, cryotherapy can have dermatology benefits. Cryotherapy helps detoxify skin cells and regenerate them, which can be beneficial to those with conditions like acne, eczema, scarring, and psoriasis. In some cases, it has also been used to help decrease wrinkles. For this kind of treatment, Dr. Johns and his team are very cautious with temperatures and time used to prevent any skin injuries.

“We can incorporate our treatment with any patient that may be suffering an acute bout of arthritic inflammation or muscular injuries, such as sprains, bursitis, and tendonitis.”

Dr. Brandon Johns

Dr. Johns offers cryotherapy to maximize the results that patients see and to treat many issues, primarily focusing on inflammatory conditions. Dr. Johns also recommends cryotherapy treatments to high-performance athletes, like runners and swimmers, to shorten their recovery time and improve their performance.

“We can incorporate our treatment with any patient that may be suffering an acute bout of arthritic inflammation or muscular injuries, such as sprains, bursitis, and tendinitis,” Dr. Johns says.

Modern medicine is constantly evolving, and cryotherapy is a step toward more comprehensive and immersive treatment for patients at every stage of health and recovery. With its potential to reduce inflammation, alleviate muscle soreness, and boost overall well-being, cryotherapy offers a unique and refreshing way to rejuvenate the body and mind. Though it may be astonishingly cold, cryotherapy is becoming one of the hottest methods to maintain overall wellness. By embracing the cold for just a few minutes, patients can achieve lasting benefits that optimize health and performance.

Cold Plunge
Cold plunge, or cold water immersion, is done by partially or totally submerging the body in cold water repeatedly for a few minutes at a time to create alertness and happiness. However, people should not plunge into icy waters that have a current, such as rivers and lakes.

Ice Bath
This type of cold therapy involves immersing thebody in a container of ice water for a short period of time to reduce inflammation, boost mood, or relieve muscle soreness after hard training sessions or during periods of back-to-back competitions.

Cold Mask
Cold masks used on the face, eyes, or other parts of the body can be used for skincare, pain relief, and stress management. These masks can be especially beneficial for those who experience seasonal allergies.

Ice Massage
A type of cryotherapy that involves applying ice to the skin to treat pain and swelling.

Cold Therapy Machines
Cold therapy machines provide a controlled cold setting to target a specific area of the body for pain relief, such as knee pain.

Cryostretching
This technique uses ice application on the affected areas of the body followed by stretching the affected areas to reduce muscle spasms or to help prepare the body for physical activity.

Cryokinetics
Cryokinetics is a rehabilitation technique involving ice application to affected areas of the body followed by progressive active exercises

Cold therapy is not recommended for pregnant women, elderly, those who have a weakened immune system, diabetes, hypersensitivity, compromised local circulation, Raynaud’s, or any other vasospastic diseases without direction from a healthcare professional.