Ice, Ice, Maybe? Exploring Cryotherapy for Pain Relief
Why Cold Therapy is Making a Comeback in Pain Management
Cryotherapy for pain relief has emerged as a popular wellness trend, but its roots stretch back thousands of years. When you press a bag of frozen peas on a swollen ankle, you are using a basic version of cryotherapy.
Quick Answer: What is Cryotherapy for Pain Relief?
- Definition: Therapeutic application of extreme cold to reduce pain and inflammation
- How it works: Reduces nerve activity, decreases blood flow, and triggers endorphin release
- Types: Whole-body cryotherapy chambers (-200°F to -300°F) and localized spot treatments
- Benefits: May help with muscle soreness, arthritis pain, acute injuries, and chronic conditions
- Duration: 2-4 minutes for whole-body, 10-20 minutes for localized treatments
- Safety: Generally safe with proper precautions, but not FDA-approved for medical treatment
From ancient civilizations using ice for healing to modern athletes stepping into sub-zero chambers, cold therapy has long been a part of pain management. Today's cryotherapy takes this concept to new extremes, with chambers reaching temperatures between -200°F and -300°F.
Athletes and celebrities have popularized whole-body cryotherapy for everything from muscle recovery to chronic pain. However, research shows mixed results, with some studies supporting its use while others find it no more effective than traditional ice packs.
This growing interest reflects a broader shift toward non-pharmaceutical pain management. Cryotherapy offers a drug-free approach that can complement other wellness treatments.
This guide will help you understand what cryotherapy does, examine the science behind its claims, and determine if it might be right for you.
I'm Dr. Gannon Ward. At my practice in Lehi, Utah, I've incorporated cryotherapy into wellness plans for years. My clinical experience shows that cryotherapy for pain relief can safely complement traditional chiropractic care when used appropriately.
What is Cryotherapy and How Does It Work?
Cryotherapy for pain relief is a sophisticated version of putting ice on an injury. Modern cryotherapy simply takes this concept to a new level.
When you expose your body to therapeutic cold, your blood vessels narrow in a process called vasoconstriction. This reduces blood flow, which in turn decreases swelling and pain.
Cold also slows down your nerves. As nerve signals travel more slowly, pain messages take longer to reach your brain. Research confirms this; one study found that dropping ankle skin temperature to 10 degrees C decreased nerve conduction velocity by about 33%, leading to higher pain thresholds. You can learn more in The effect of cryotherapy on nerve conduction velocity.
The Gate Control Theory of Pain also applies. It suggests that the intense cold sensation can block pain signals from reaching the brain, essentially crowding out the pain.
Your body also releases endorphins, feel-good chemicals that act as natural painkillers, in response to the extreme cold.
Forms of Cryotherapy
At Atmosphere Chiropractic & Wellness, we offer two main approaches to cold therapy:
Whole-Body Cryotherapy (WBC) involves stepping into a chamber with air cooled to -100 degrees C to -140 degrees C (-148 degrees F to -220 degrees F). This is a dry cold, which is more tolerable than wet cold. You're only inside for 2 to 4 minutes, enough time to trigger a whole-body anti-inflammatory response.
Localized Cryotherapy is a more targeted approach. Using specialized cryo wands, we deliver concentrated cold directly to a specific area, like a sore joint or muscle.
The Physiological Response to Cold
When your body encounters therapeutic cold, it launches into action:
- Reduced blood flow: Narrowed blood vessels limit swelling and can help control internal bleeding from an acute injury.
- Slower metabolic rate: Your cells slow down, which is protective. Injured tissues need less oxygen, preventing further damage while your body heals.
- Numbing effect: Slower nerve activity creates a natural, temporary anesthetic effect, providing immediate relief from acute pain or muscle spasms.
- Anti-inflammatory response: The combination of reduced blood flow and slower cellular activity helps calm the inflammatory cascade.
- Muscle spasm reduction: As nerves become less excitable, muscles can relax, breaking the pain-spasm cycle and improving range of motion.
The Science Behind Cryotherapy for Pain Relief
When you use cryotherapy, you're tapping into a treatment approach researchers have studied for decades. The science behind cryotherapy for pain relief reveals how our bodies respond to extreme cold.
Clinical studies on cryotherapy show mixed but promising results. The evidence varies depending on the type of pain and the application method.
For acute pain—like sports injuries or post-workout soreness—the research is quite strong. Cold therapy excels at managing the inflammation and swelling that follow an injury, which is why ice packs are a go-to treatment in athletic training facilities.
Chronic pain is more complex. For conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia, cryotherapy often works best as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Local cryotherapy shows strong evidence for acute injuries and localized pain, such as osteoarthritis, tendonitis, and post-surgical recovery. Studies consistently show it reduces pain scores for these conditions.
Whole-body cryotherapy triggers more systemic responses. Research suggests it may help with widespread inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, especially when combined with physical therapy. Some studies on fibromyalgia show improvements in pain and sleep quality, though results vary.
Claimed Benefits and Common Uses for Pain
People seek cryotherapy for pain relief for a wide range of conditions:
- Muscle soreness (DOMS) from intense workouts responds well to cryotherapy, as the cold helps reduce micro-trauma and inflammation.
- Acute injury recovery is one of cryotherapy's strongest applications, helping control the initial inflammatory response.
- Arthritis pain sufferers often find relief as the cold reduces joint inflammation and temporarily numbs nerve endings.
- Fibromyalgia symptoms may improve, with some individuals reporting less pain and better sleep after regular sessions.
- Chronic back pain from muscle spasms or inflammation may respond to both targeted and whole-body cold therapy.
- Migraine relief is an interesting application where targeted cold therapy to the head or neck may reduce headache intensity.
What the Research Says About Cryotherapy for Pain Relief
The scientific literature shows genuine promise but also highlights the need for more rigorous research. Many studies report positive outcomes, particularly subjective ones where people feel better and experience less pain.
However, research challenges remain. Varying study designs make it difficult to create universal treatment protocols. A comprehensive review on the Use of Cryotherapy for Managing Chronic Pain found that both local and whole-body cryotherapy show promise for reducing chronic pain, especially from inflammation. The review concluded that cryotherapy is a safe therapy with minimal adverse effects when used correctly.
At Atmosphere Chiropractic & Wellness, we see these findings as validation of what we observe clinically. Cryotherapy works best when integrated with other therapeutic approaches. You can learn more about how we create comprehensive treatment plans through our comprehensive recovery services.
Is Whole-Body Cryotherapy FDA-Approved for Pain Treatment?
This is a frequent question, and the answer is simple: No, whole-body cryotherapy devices have not been cleared or approved by the FDA for treating any specific medical conditions, including pain relief.
The FDA is clear on this: while localized cryotherapy is well-established for acute pain, whole-body cryotherapy devices have not undergone the rigorous testing required for medical approval. The agency has issued warnings about unproven medical claims, which you can read in their consumer update: FDA warns consumers about unproven claims.
At Atmosphere Chiropractic & Wellness, we are transparent about this. We offer cryotherapy as a wellness service to support your body's natural healing and complement other treatments, not as a cure for medical conditions. This distinction helps set appropriate expectations. We see cryotherapy as a valuable tool in a comprehensive wellness strategy.
The Cryotherapy Experience: What to Expect and Potential Risks
Stepping into a cryotherapy chamber for the first time can be exciting but also intimidating. At Atmosphere Chiropractic & Wellness, we guide you through your first cryotherapy for pain relief experience to ensure you feel comfortable and safe.
Before your session, our team will explain the process, discuss health concerns, and get your informed consent. We follow strict safety protocols under professional supervision.
If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, we strongly encourage you to consult with your doctor before trying cryotherapy. Your health and safety always come first.
The Process and Sensations
A typical session lasts between 2 to 4 minutes. You'll step into a chamber with extreme temperatures, but it's a dry cold, which feels much more tolerable than wet cold because there's no moisture to penetrate your skin.
For your safety, we provide protective gear, including clean socks, gloves, and a headband. We recommend minimal clothing (like shorts and a sports bra without underwire for women). All jewelry must be removed.
You'll feel intense cold, but most people find it invigorating, not painful. Many report a pleasant tingling sensation. The cold prompts your body to release feel-good chemicals like adrenaline and endorphins.
After you step out, you'll likely feel a rush of warmth. This post-session feeling is often described as refreshing and energizing.
Safety First: Risks and Who Should Avoid Cryotherapy
While generally safe, cryotherapy isn't for everyone. We take careful patient selection seriously. Cryotherapy for pain relief should be avoided with the following conditions:
- Pregnancy
- Severe, uncontrolled hypertension
- Major heart or lung conditions (e.g., recent heart attack, unstable angina)
- Raynaud's syndrome or other severe circulatory disorders
- Cold allergies (cold urticaria)
- Open wounds or active skin infections
- Neuropathy in the legs or feet
- Fever or respiratory infection
- Seizure disorders (requires doctor consultation)
- Claustrophobia
Even with proper supervision, potential risks include frostbite, which is why sessions are brief and protective gear is used. Skin irritation like temporary redness or tingling is common and usually resolves quickly. Some people experience temporary blood pressure spikes, dizziness, or lightheadedness as their body readjusts.
Our team monitors you throughout the session and ensures all safety measures are in place. Your well-being is our promise to you.
The Bottom Line: Is Cryotherapy a Viable Pain Management Tool?
After examining the science and safety, the expert consensus on cryotherapy for pain relief is balanced and encouraging.
Cryotherapy isn't a miracle cure, but it can be a valuable part of your wellness puzzle when used thoughtfully and safely.
The medical community, including institutions like Harvard Health, is cautiously optimistic. While social media claims can be exaggerated, studies show cryotherapy can provide meaningful short-term pain relief and reduce inflammation, particularly for muscle soreness and certain chronic conditions like arthritis.
As noted in Harvard Health's article "Cryotherapy: Can it stop your pain cold?", there's limited proof that whole-body cryotherapy is more helpful than cheaper options like ice packs for some uses. However, the unique systemic response of WBC offers a different experience and potential benefits beyond localized cooling.
Cryotherapy is most effective as a complementary therapy within a comprehensive wellness plan. At our practice, we often combine it with chiropractic adjustments, massage, or innovative treatments for better results. You can explore how these therapies work together by checking out more info about Red Light Therapy.
While research continues, many of our clients report significant improvements in their pain levels, recovery times, and overall well-being. The key is finding what works for your body and your pain challenges.
Think of cryotherapy as part of a proactive health strategy to support your body's natural healing. At Atmosphere Chiropractic & Wellness, we've seen how this approach can make a real difference when combined with our other therapeutic services.
The bottom line? Cryotherapy for pain relief has earned its place in modern wellness as a scientifically-supported tool that can help you feel better, recover faster, and maintain an active lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cryotherapy
We love answering questions about cryotherapy! These are the ones we hear most often.
How often should you do cryotherapy for pain?
The ideal frequency for cryotherapy for pain relief depends on your condition and how your body responds.
- For acute pain, like a fresh injury or intense muscle soreness, one or two sessions may be enough to reduce swelling and provide initial relief. Athletes might use it daily during heavy training.
- For chronic pain conditions like arthritis, we often recommend starting with several sessions over a week or two, then shifting to maintenance sessions a few times a week or month.
- For general wellness, once or twice a week may be sufficient.
There's no magic formula. Our team can help you determine the most effective schedule for your specific situation.
Does cryotherapy hurt?
No, it doesn't hurt, but it is cold. During a whole-body session, the dry cold is much more tolerable than wet cold, like jumping into an icy lake. You'll feel a significant chill and tingling, but most people describe it as invigorating. Sessions only last 2-4 minutes, so by the time you feel truly uncomfortable, it's over.
Localized cryotherapy feels different. You might experience the CBAN sequence: Cold, then a Burning sensation, then Aching, and finally Numbness. This is a normal sign that the numbing effect is working.
How does cryotherapy compare to traditional cold therapy?
While both use cold for pain relief, they differ significantly in intensity, duration, and experience.
- Temperature: Ice packs cool skin to around 50-59°F. Our WBC chambers reach below -148°F. This extreme cold triggers a more powerful systemic response, including a larger release of endorphins.
- Duration: Traditional cold therapy often requires 15-20 minutes. WBC takes just 2-4 minutes because the extreme dry cold works much faster.
- Experience: Ice packs can be wet and uncomfortable. Cryotherapy for pain relief at our clinic is a dry, quick, and often energizing experience.
- Precision: Our localized cryotherapy wands offer precision that a basic ice pack can't match.
Ice packs are great for immediate home care, but our advanced cryotherapy options offer a more intense, efficient, and comfortable way to achieve targeted and whole-body pain relief.
Conclusion
Cryotherapy for pain relief bridges ancient wisdom with modern innovation. From ancient civilizations using snow to today's sophisticated chambers reaching -200°F, the principle is simple: cold helps the body heal.
We've explored how cryotherapy works by reducing inflammation, slowing pain signals, and triggering your body's natural feel-good chemicals. Science supports localized cryotherapy for acute pain, while whole-body cryotherapy offers systemic wellness benefits. While research evolves, user experiences point to real benefits.
Whole-body cryotherapy is offered as a wellness service, not a medical treatment, as it lacks FDA approval for specific conditions. This doesn't diminish its value; it simply means we approach it as part of a comprehensive wellness strategy.
Safety always comes first. Our careful screening and strict protocols ensure your experience is both effective and secure.
At Atmosphere Chiropractic & Wellness, we provide personalized care, not a one-size-fits-all approach. Cryotherapy for pain relief is just one piece of the wellness puzzle we help you solve. It might be the perfect complement to your chiropractic adjustments or improve your massage therapy results. We're excited to help you find the combination of treatments that helps you feel your best.
Ready to explore how cryotherapy might fit into your wellness journey? We'd love to meet you and answer your questions.
Explore our cryotherapy services and book a consultation today!
Why Cold Therapy is Making a Comeback in Pain Management
Cryotherapy for pain relief has emerged as a popular wellness trend, but its roots stretch back thousands of years. When you press a bag of frozen peas on a swollen ankle, you are using a basic version of cryotherapy.
Quick Answer: What is Cryotherapy for Pain Relief?
- Definition: Therapeutic application of extreme cold to reduce pain and inflammation
- How it works: Reduces nerve activity, decreases blood flow, and triggers endorphin release
- Types: Whole-body cryotherapy chambers (-200°F to -300°F) and localized spot treatments
- Benefits: May help with muscle soreness, arthritis pain, acute injuries, and chronic conditions
- Duration: 2-4 minutes for whole-body, 10-20 minutes for localized treatments
- Safety: Generally safe with proper precautions, but not FDA-approved for medical treatment
From ancient civilizations using ice for healing to modern athletes stepping into sub-zero chambers, cold therapy has long been a part of pain management. Today's cryotherapy takes this concept to new extremes, with chambers reaching temperatures between -200°F and -300°F.
Athletes and celebrities have popularized whole-body cryotherapy for everything from muscle recovery to chronic pain. However, research shows mixed results, with some studies supporting its use while others find it no more effective than traditional ice packs.
This growing interest reflects a broader shift toward non-pharmaceutical pain management. Cryotherapy offers a drug-free approach that can complement other wellness treatments.
This guide will help you understand what cryotherapy does, examine the science behind its claims, and determine if it might be right for you.
I'm Dr. Gannon Ward. At my practice in Lehi, Utah, I've incorporated cryotherapy into wellness plans for years. My clinical experience shows that cryotherapy for pain relief can safely complement traditional chiropractic care when used appropriately.
What is Cryotherapy and How Does It Work?
Cryotherapy for pain relief is a sophisticated version of putting ice on an injury. Modern cryotherapy simply takes this concept to a new level.
When you expose your body to therapeutic cold, your blood vessels narrow in a process called vasoconstriction. This reduces blood flow, which in turn decreases swelling and pain.
Cold also slows down your nerves. As nerve signals travel more slowly, pain messages take longer to reach your brain. Research confirms this; one study found that dropping ankle skin temperature to 10 degrees C decreased nerve conduction velocity by about 33%, leading to higher pain thresholds. You can learn more in The effect of cryotherapy on nerve conduction velocity.
The Gate Control Theory of Pain also applies. It suggests that the intense cold sensation can block pain signals from reaching the brain, essentially crowding out the pain.
Your body also releases endorphins, feel-good chemicals that act as natural painkillers, in response to the extreme cold.
Forms of Cryotherapy
At Atmosphere Chiropractic & Wellness, we offer two main approaches to cold therapy:
Whole-Body Cryotherapy (WBC) involves stepping into a chamber with air cooled to -100 degrees C to -140 degrees C (-148 degrees F to -220 degrees F). This is a dry cold, which is more tolerable than wet cold. You're only inside for 2 to 4 minutes, enough time to trigger a whole-body anti-inflammatory response.
Localized Cryotherapy is a more targeted approach. Using specialized cryo wands, we deliver concentrated cold directly to a specific area, like a sore joint or muscle.
The Physiological Response to Cold
When your body encounters therapeutic cold, it launches into action:
- Reduced blood flow: Narrowed blood vessels limit swelling and can help control internal bleeding from an acute injury.
- Slower metabolic rate: Your cells slow down, which is protective. Injured tissues need less oxygen, preventing further damage while your body heals.
- Numbing effect: Slower nerve activity creates a natural, temporary anesthetic effect, providing immediate relief from acute pain or muscle spasms.
- Anti-inflammatory response: The combination of reduced blood flow and slower cellular activity helps calm the inflammatory cascade.
- Muscle spasm reduction: As nerves become less excitable, muscles can relax, breaking the pain-spasm cycle and improving range of motion.
The Science Behind Cryotherapy for Pain Relief
When you use cryotherapy, you're tapping into a treatment approach researchers have studied for decades. The science behind cryotherapy for pain relief reveals how our bodies respond to extreme cold.
Clinical studies on cryotherapy show mixed but promising results. The evidence varies depending on the type of pain and the application method.
For acute pain—like sports injuries or post-workout soreness—the research is quite strong. Cold therapy excels at managing the inflammation and swelling that follow an injury, which is why ice packs are a go-to treatment in athletic training facilities.
Chronic pain is more complex. For conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia, cryotherapy often works best as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Local cryotherapy shows strong evidence for acute injuries and localized pain, such as osteoarthritis, tendonitis, and post-surgical recovery. Studies consistently show it reduces pain scores for these conditions.
Whole-body cryotherapy triggers more systemic responses. Research suggests it may help with widespread inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, especially when combined with physical therapy. Some studies on fibromyalgia show improvements in pain and sleep quality, though results vary.
Claimed Benefits and Common Uses for Pain
People seek cryotherapy for pain relief for a wide range of conditions:
- Muscle soreness (DOMS) from intense workouts responds well to cryotherapy, as the cold helps reduce micro-trauma and inflammation.
- Acute injury recovery is one of cryotherapy's strongest applications, helping control the initial inflammatory response.
- Arthritis pain sufferers often find relief as the cold reduces joint inflammation and temporarily numbs nerve endings.
- Fibromyalgia symptoms may improve, with some individuals reporting less pain and better sleep after regular sessions.
- Chronic back pain from muscle spasms or inflammation may respond to both targeted and whole-body cold therapy.
- Migraine relief is an interesting application where targeted cold therapy to the head or neck may reduce headache intensity.
What the Research Says About Cryotherapy for Pain Relief
The scientific literature shows genuine promise but also highlights the need for more rigorous research. Many studies report positive outcomes, particularly subjective ones where people feel better and experience less pain.
However, research challenges remain. Varying study designs make it difficult to create universal treatment protocols. A comprehensive review on the Use of Cryotherapy for Managing Chronic Pain found that both local and whole-body cryotherapy show promise for reducing chronic pain, especially from inflammation. The review concluded that cryotherapy is a safe therapy with minimal adverse effects when used correctly.
At Atmosphere Chiropractic & Wellness, we see these findings as validation of what we observe clinically. Cryotherapy works best when integrated with other therapeutic approaches. You can learn more about how we create comprehensive treatment plans through our comprehensive recovery services.
Is Whole-Body Cryotherapy FDA-Approved for Pain Treatment?
This is a frequent question, and the answer is simple: No, whole-body cryotherapy devices have not been cleared or approved by the FDA for treating any specific medical conditions, including pain relief.
The FDA is clear on this: while localized cryotherapy is well-established for acute pain, whole-body cryotherapy devices have not undergone the rigorous testing required for medical approval. The agency has issued warnings about unproven medical claims, which you can read in their consumer update: FDA warns consumers about unproven claims.
At Atmosphere Chiropractic & Wellness, we are transparent about this. We offer cryotherapy as a wellness service to support your body's natural healing and complement other treatments, not as a cure for medical conditions. This distinction helps set appropriate expectations. We see cryotherapy as a valuable tool in a comprehensive wellness strategy.
The Cryotherapy Experience: What to Expect and Potential Risks
Stepping into a cryotherapy chamber for the first time can be exciting but also intimidating. At Atmosphere Chiropractic & Wellness, we guide you through your first cryotherapy for pain relief experience to ensure you feel comfortable and safe.
Before your session, our team will explain the process, discuss health concerns, and get your informed consent. We follow strict safety protocols under professional supervision.
If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, we strongly encourage you to consult with your doctor before trying cryotherapy. Your health and safety always come first.
The Process and Sensations
A typical session lasts between 2 to 4 minutes. You'll step into a chamber with extreme temperatures, but it's a dry cold, which feels much more tolerable than wet cold because there's no moisture to penetrate your skin.
For your safety, we provide protective gear, including clean socks, gloves, and a headband. We recommend minimal clothing (like shorts and a sports bra without underwire for women). All jewelry must be removed.
You'll feel intense cold, but most people find it invigorating, not painful. Many report a pleasant tingling sensation. The cold prompts your body to release feel-good chemicals like adrenaline and endorphins.
After you step out, you'll likely feel a rush of warmth. This post-session feeling is often described as refreshing and energizing.
Safety First: Risks and Who Should Avoid Cryotherapy
While generally safe, cryotherapy isn't for everyone. We take careful patient selection seriously. Cryotherapy for pain relief should be avoided with the following conditions:
- Pregnancy
- Severe, uncontrolled hypertension
- Major heart or lung conditions (e.g., recent heart attack, unstable angina)
- Raynaud's syndrome or other severe circulatory disorders
- Cold allergies (cold urticaria)
- Open wounds or active skin infections
- Neuropathy in the legs or feet
- Fever or respiratory infection
- Seizure disorders (requires doctor consultation)
- Claustrophobia
Even with proper supervision, potential risks include frostbite, which is why sessions are brief and protective gear is used. Skin irritation like temporary redness or tingling is common and usually resolves quickly. Some people experience temporary blood pressure spikes, dizziness, or lightheadedness as their body readjusts.
Our team monitors you throughout the session and ensures all safety measures are in place. Your well-being is our promise to you.
The Bottom Line: Is Cryotherapy a Viable Pain Management Tool?
After examining the science and safety, the expert consensus on cryotherapy for pain relief is balanced and encouraging.
Cryotherapy isn't a miracle cure, but it can be a valuable part of your wellness puzzle when used thoughtfully and safely.
The medical community, including institutions like Harvard Health, is cautiously optimistic. While social media claims can be exaggerated, studies show cryotherapy can provide meaningful short-term pain relief and reduce inflammation, particularly for muscle soreness and certain chronic conditions like arthritis.
As noted in Harvard Health's article "Cryotherapy: Can it stop your pain cold?", there's limited proof that whole-body cryotherapy is more helpful than cheaper options like ice packs for some uses. However, the unique systemic response of WBC offers a different experience and potential benefits beyond localized cooling.
Cryotherapy is most effective as a complementary therapy within a comprehensive wellness plan. At our practice, we often combine it with chiropractic adjustments, massage, or innovative treatments for better results. You can explore how these therapies work together by checking out more info about Red Light Therapy.
While research continues, many of our clients report significant improvements in their pain levels, recovery times, and overall well-being. The key is finding what works for your body and your pain challenges.
Think of cryotherapy as part of a proactive health strategy to support your body's natural healing. At Atmosphere Chiropractic & Wellness, we've seen how this approach can make a real difference when combined with our other therapeutic services.
The bottom line? Cryotherapy for pain relief has earned its place in modern wellness as a scientifically-supported tool that can help you feel better, recover faster, and maintain an active lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cryotherapy
We love answering questions about cryotherapy! These are the ones we hear most often.
How often should you do cryotherapy for pain?
The ideal frequency for cryotherapy for pain relief depends on your condition and how your body responds.
- For acute pain, like a fresh injury or intense muscle soreness, one or two sessions may be enough to reduce swelling and provide initial relief. Athletes might use it daily during heavy training.
- For chronic pain conditions like arthritis, we often recommend starting with several sessions over a week or two, then shifting to maintenance sessions a few times a week or month.
- For general wellness, once or twice a week may be sufficient.
There's no magic formula. Our team can help you determine the most effective schedule for your specific situation.
Does cryotherapy hurt?
No, it doesn't hurt, but it is cold. During a whole-body session, the dry cold is much more tolerable than wet cold, like jumping into an icy lake. You'll feel a significant chill and tingling, but most people describe it as invigorating. Sessions only last 2-4 minutes, so by the time you feel truly uncomfortable, it's over.
Localized cryotherapy feels different. You might experience the CBAN sequence: Cold, then a Burning sensation, then Aching, and finally Numbness. This is a normal sign that the numbing effect is working.
How does cryotherapy compare to traditional cold therapy?
While both use cold for pain relief, they differ significantly in intensity, duration, and experience.
- Temperature: Ice packs cool skin to around 50-59°F. Our WBC chambers reach below -148°F. This extreme cold triggers a more powerful systemic response, including a larger release of endorphins.
- Duration: Traditional cold therapy often requires 15-20 minutes. WBC takes just 2-4 minutes because the extreme dry cold works much faster.
- Experience: Ice packs can be wet and uncomfortable. Cryotherapy for pain relief at our clinic is a dry, quick, and often energizing experience.
- Precision: Our localized cryotherapy wands offer precision that a basic ice pack can't match.
Ice packs are great for immediate home care, but our advanced cryotherapy options offer a more intense, efficient, and comfortable way to achieve targeted and whole-body pain relief.
Conclusion
Cryotherapy for pain relief bridges ancient wisdom with modern innovation. From ancient civilizations using snow to today's sophisticated chambers reaching -200°F, the principle is simple: cold helps the body heal.
We've explored how cryotherapy works by reducing inflammation, slowing pain signals, and triggering your body's natural feel-good chemicals. Science supports localized cryotherapy for acute pain, while whole-body cryotherapy offers systemic wellness benefits. While research evolves, user experiences point to real benefits.
Whole-body cryotherapy is offered as a wellness service, not a medical treatment, as it lacks FDA approval for specific conditions. This doesn't diminish its value; it simply means we approach it as part of a comprehensive wellness strategy.
Safety always comes first. Our careful screening and strict protocols ensure your experience is both effective and secure.
At Atmosphere Chiropractic & Wellness, we provide personalized care, not a one-size-fits-all approach. Cryotherapy for pain relief is just one piece of the wellness puzzle we help you solve. It might be the perfect complement to your chiropractic adjustments or improve your massage therapy results. We're excited to help you find the combination of treatments that helps you feel your best.
Ready to explore how cryotherapy might fit into your wellness journey? We'd love to meet you and answer your questions.
Explore our cryotherapy services and book a consultation today!
