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Cryotherapy

Looking for a way to boost your physical and mental well-being? SculptedMD Whole Body Cryotherapy (WBC) is a game-changer! Our WBC treatments only take 2-5 minutes, yet they offer a host of benefits for your body and mind.
By exposing your body to hyper-cold air, WBC can help to cool damaged tissue, reduce swelling and inflammation, and accelerate the healing process from the inside out. It’s also effective in reducing pain-causing inflammation throughout the body, great for your skin, burns calories, boosts your immune system, and releases beneficial endorphins during each session. Whether you’re an athlete looking to speed up your recovery time, someone dealing with chronic pain, or simply looking to supplement your PT pre or post-op, WBC can help. We cater to a diverse range of clients, from student athletes to health-conscious individuals focused on prioritizing their well-being.
At SculptedMD, we are the experts in all things cryotherapy and look forward to being a part of your cryo experience. Book your WBC session today and discover the incredible benefits for yourself!
Cryotherapy has become a trendy treatment option, particularly for sports stars and celebrities. While physicians have been using targeted forms of cryotherapy for years to treat things like warts and cancer cells, “whole-body” cryotherapy spas have been popping up across the U.S. in recent years. But is it safe? Let’s take a closer look.
cryotherapy chamber in Sculpted MD wellness and recovery clinic

What is cryotherapy?

Cryotherapy is a type of treatment that involves freezing or near-freezing temperatures. Our Whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) involves sitting or standing in our “cryochamber” for two to five minutes, exposing your body to liquid nitrogen in subzero temperatures, typically between -100 and -140 degrees Celsius. Patients wear minimal clothing, like socks, gloves, approved underwear, and possibly a headband and mask to protect the ears, nose, and mouth.

How can Cryotherapy help me recover from an injury?

The SculptedMD recovery center Cryotherapy can help with injury recovery in several ways. Here are some of the ways in which cryotherapy can be beneficial for injury recovery:

  1. Reduce inflammation: Cryotherapy involves exposing the body to extremely cold temperatures, which can help to reduce inflammation in the affected area. Inflammation is a natural response to injury, but excessive inflammation can slow down the healing process. Cryotherapy can help to reduce inflammation, which can speed up the healing process.
  2. Decrease pain: Cryotherapy can also help to reduce pain associated with injuries. The cold temperatures can numb the area and provide pain relief, which can allow you to move more freely and perform exercises that can help with injury recovery.
  3. Improve circulation: Cryotherapy can help to improve circulation, which can also aid in injury recovery. Improved circulation can help to bring more oxygen and nutrients to the affected area, which can speed up the healing process.
  4. Speed up recovery time: By reducing inflammation, decreasing pain, and improving circulation, cryotherapy can help to speed up the recovery time for injuries. This can allow you to get back to your normal activities and workouts more quickly.

It's important to note that cryotherapy should be used in conjunction with other injury recovery treatments, such as physical therapy, rest, and proper nutrition. Additionally, it's important to consult with a medical professional before using cryotherapy to treat an injury, to ensure that it's safe and appropriate for your specific needs.

In conclusion, cryotherapy can be a beneficial tool for injury recovery, as it can help to reduce inflammation, decrease pain, improve circulation, and speed up recovery time. If you're dealing with an injury, consider incorporating cryotherapy into your recovery plan, under the guidance of a medical professional.

Is WBC safe and effective?

It is important to note that WBC is not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and has not been approved or cleared by the FDA as a safe or effective treatment for any medical conditions. In fact, the FDA has stated that it has found little evidence supporting the safety or effectiveness of WBC.
While advocates for cryotherapy cite a variety of potential health benefits, scientific studies demonstrating actual effectiveness are sparse, and almost all benefits are currently theoretical. Some people try WBC for pain relief and muscle recovery since it could potentially be a quicker solution than ice packs or baths. However, a 2014 review of several studies determined that WBC has a small impact on pain relief and muscle recovery, with results comparable to cold-water immersion or local ice pack application.
WBC has been hypothesized to prevent dementia by reducing inflammation associated with cognitive decline or impairment, but this theory requires more research and testing. Similarly, the hypothesis of reduced inflammation has led to theories of WBC treating mental health conditions, but there is not enough evidence to support long-term benefits or draw concrete conclusions.
Some people believe that WBC can support weight loss by using cold temperatures to force the body to work harder to stay warm. However, a 2016 study found no significant evidence of body composition change after 10 sessions of WBC. There are more effective and safer ways to lose weight, such as changing eating habits and exercising.
Cryotherapy facials conducted with a cryotherapy wand are increasing in popularity. While no formal studies have been conducted, proponents claim cryofacials can shrink pores, freeze off dead skin cells, rejuvenate skin, and reduce redness.

Safety and risks

It is crucial to speak to your doctor before trying any form of cryotherapy, particularly if you have a pacemaker, a history of high blood pressure, stroke, severe hypertension, seizures, a high risk of infection, claustrophobia, or are pregnant. Certain conditions may worsen with WBC. It is vital to remember that undergoing a cryotherapy treatment for more than a few minutes can be fatal. Never practice WBC without supervision or sleep in a cryotherapy chamber. Each session should be timed and monitored for safety.
WBC has been cited to cause cases of cold panniculitis, a rash caused by the cold injuring fatty tissue, and frostbite, which occurs when the skin (and occasionally the tissues beneath the skin) freeze and can potentially lead to permanent damage.

The bottom line

Anecdotal evidence from small studies shows potential for cryotherapy to produce health benefits, but research is still in the early stages. While cryosurgery is deemed safe and effective for certain medical treatments.

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