Cryotherapy, also known as Ice therapy is one of the many therapies used to treat various skin conditions. From the word cryo meaning extreme cold, this process involves temperature reduction which works by reducing blood flow in a particular area to significantly alleviate inflammation.
Though cryotherapy exists as a modern approach for treating numerous conditions – from its undeniable benefits and lower risk of damaging tissues – this process can be traced back thousands of years ago. Ancient scrolls from Egypt have been found to wield various applications of ice on patients. From treating injuries and reducing inflammation, cryotherapy emerged as a routine for wellness.
• As early as 2500 BCE, Egyptians already used cold compress as a remedy for injuries.• It was in the Napoleonic era, ice therapy became widely known as a mechanism for reducing pain.
• In the span of the year 1845 – 1851, Dr. James Arnott popularly known as the father of modern cryosurgery observed the different angles in the cold application when it comes to treating various conditions. He also launched a cold therapy apparatus at the Great Exhibition held in London. The said apparatus was intended to treat acne and neuralgia, however, the device failed to reach the suggested coldness.
• It was found out in 1950 that up to negative 196°C could be used in theoretical practice. This can be achieved with the aid of liquid nitrogen and using cotton swabs to treat various skin conditions, as demonstrated by Hernan V. Allington (forefront of this practice).
• In between the years 2014 and 2018, Impact Cryotherapy emerged and launched the only cryotherapy machine in the US. Furthering the benefits of what this therapy can offer, cryoshift cryotherapy was formed in the latter year in hopes of delivering quality therapies along with a brand new machine.
Cryotherapy doesn’t necessarily require machines or apparatus. By simply applying extreme cold compress after a strenuous exercise or by just putting ice on your injured ankle, you can already manifest the basic concept of what cryotherapy is.
Furthermore, anything requiring therapy of temperature reduction – specifically extreme coldness – can be considered cryotherapy. Listed below are the different types of cryotherapy:
• Whole Body Cryotherapy (WBC) – This type of cryotherapy involves the immersion of an entire body inside a closed chamber with a temperature ranging between negative 200-300°F. It is believed that the cold air circulating in the chamber poses a wide array of health benefits.
• Cryotherapy facial – This process is done via pumping the liquid nitrogen all over the face for 2-3 minutes. This type of cryotherapy poses no risk of irritating your skin compared to other facial peels and microdermabrasion.
• Ice Bath/Cold Water Immersion (CWI) – After an exhausting workout session, an ice bath or cold water immersion can be adequate in terms of reducing muscle pain and fatigue. This is done simply by immersing your body in extremely cold water with a temperature ranging from negative 50-59°F.
References: Freiman A. MD 2005; Bouganim N. MD 2005
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Stay Cool!
Love,
Maribel Idania