Cryotherapy: Is There Science Behind The Hype?

Cryotherapy has been used by athletes for years, but lately it has been increasing in popularity for non-athletes, as well. Non-athletes can now do cryotherapy in some doctors’ offices, gyms, and spas. There are even businesses popping up all over the country that specialize in cryotherapy.

 During a cryotherapy treatment, the body is exposed to temperatures below negative 200 degrees for about 2 to 4 minutes. Proponents of cryotherapy say that it can help to alleviate muscle and joint pain, promote weight loss, provide anti-aging benefits, and even relieve anxiety and depression.

On the other hand, there are definitely risks to cryotherapy. People who are pregnant or have severe hypertension or heart problems should not use cryotherapy. Even if you don’t have any conditions that would prevent you from doing cryotherapy, you still need to be careful. You need to avoid wearing wet clothing, and you should not stay in the chamber for more than the recommended 2 to 4 minutes.

Do the potential benefits outweigh the risks? Here is what we know from a scientific standpoint.

Does cryotherapy help with muscle and joint pain?

Cryotherapy is similar to the concept of applying an ice pack to a painful muscle or joint, but on a larger scale. Ice packs can certainly be helpful in reducing inflammation, but there isn’t currently any conclusive scientific evidence to prove that full-body cryotherapy works better.

Still, many athletes and others with sports injuries swear by cryotherapy to help them recover from injuries more quickly. Cryotherapy has been used in Japan to alleviate pain since the 1970s, but it’s only in recent years that it’s become popular here in the United States. Even if there is no scientific evidence showing that it is helpful, many that have tried it do claim that it helps to alleviate stiffness, making workouts easier.

Can cryotherapy help you lose weight?

Weight loss is another potential benefit that has people clamoring to get into cryotherapy chamber more recently. The theory is that cold temperatures force your body to work harder to stay warm, burning calories in the process. Some proponents claim that one session can burn hundreds of calories. The truth is, being cold can boost your metabolism, but it’s not really something you should use as a long-term weight loss program. Unfortunately, if you want to lose weight and keep it off, there is really no quick fix. Diet and exercise remain the best weight loss methods.

Does cryotherapy make you look younger?

Many people who undergo cryotherapy claim that their skin looks better afterward, and that they have a “healthy glow.” Cryotherapy can boost blood circulation and decrease inflammation, which can make the skin look better, at least temporarily. However, cryotherapy can’t actually reduce or get rid of signs of aging.

Getting a “glow” from cryotherapy might be a nice side-effect of the treatment, but it’s probably not worth doing just to get better-looking skin. You’ll get much longer-lasting results by staying out of the sun, using sunscreen, and avoiding unhealthy habits like smoking. If you want longer-lasting skincare treatments, you’d be better off seeing a dermatologist.

Can cryotherapy make you happier?

Some people claim cryotherapy gives them a euphoric feeling after they are done. Some have even suggested that it could help with anxiety and depression. Cryotherapy can boost endorphins and adrenaline, and get your blood flowing. These things may result in a temporary boost in mood, which in theory could be helpful for people with anxiety and depression.

However, it’s a bit of a stretch to say that cryotherapy is actually a viable treatment for anxiety and depression. Although it may be a good supplement to treatment, these conditions are really best managed by a mental health specialist. Cryotherapy on its own can’t permanently change how you are feeling.

As long as you follow the guidelines, cryotherapy hasn’t been known to be dangerous to those who use it. However, you also need to take any claims made by cryotherapy spas with a grain of salt. It may produce temporary benefits for problems like joint pain and aging, but it isn’t a long-term solution and should not be your only solution to these problems.

For more on healthy living, wellness, and prevention, visit Michael A. Gleiber, MD  

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