Cryo- Comes from the Greek word “krous” which is also know as icy, or frosty. So it makes perfect sense that this “icy-therapy” has become all the rage in the athletic and weight loss worlds alike. What exactly is this therapy, and is it really even safe? WBC also known, as Whole Body Cryotherapy is a process in which an individual submerges themself into a tank or chamber of cold temperatures reaching -250 degrees Fahrenheit. Yes, you read that right. It is said to work wonders on body recovery, and other key areas of life, as I will mention below.
It’s Purpose
The purpose of this freezing cold tank is to submerge your body for about 3-4 minutes and reap the benefits. You strip down to merely your underwear, and wear booties and gloves. Before you step into the chamber you are to wear a bathrobe. Once the bathrobe comes off and you step in the chamber, an employee working at the therapy lab will start to cool the chamber by pumping liquid nitrogen inside. You are encouraged to be completely dry, as anything wet could cause immediate frostbite due to the negative temperatures.
Some of the benefits of this therapy include complete alleviation of sore muscles in athletes, promotes weight loss, as well as tightens the skin for an overall “glowing look.” In the athletic world, there are soccer teams, tennis players, and rugby players at the highest of levels who swear by Cryotherapy treatment as a daily routine to keep their bodies running smoothly and injury free.
We have all treated ourselves to some form of Cryotherapy whether we used an ice pack on a rolled ankle, or a bag of frozen peas on our jaws after getting wisdom teeth removed. The type of therapy that I am writing about today is amped up 400 times what an ice pack could ever do for an injury. Professional sports teams such as the Denver Nuggets, Dallas Cowboys, and Kansas City Royals all partake in the sub-freezing Cryo-tank and they see many positives from it.
Because of the low temperatures it quickly zaps any inflammation in the body, which can also lead to better looking skin. Some of the people who regularly use this therapy and pay nearly $300 per month for it have noticed a big difference in their skin, and the way they have aged (for the better!). They have also commented on the treatment boosting their metabolisms, as well as giving them a better energy throughout their entire day. Everyone’s bodies are different, so nothing is quite proven with this therapy, but it is fun to learn about.
What About Weight Loss?
The idea behind weight loss with Cryotherapy is the idea that your body has to work harder when it is exposed to colder temperatures (aka burning more calories to stay warm.) The treatments have been said to burn hundred of calories just in one session, which as we know only last 3-4 minutes. Now that is a quick way to blast a couple hundred calories! But is it proven? No, it is not proven and there are many people that are skeptical it will really work in the long run for weight loss. There is no easy way around weight loss, and it comes with hard work and determination along with a change of bad habits and diet. It still doesn’t hurt to try out the treatment, but be cautious as this treatment is not for the faint of heart!
Overview
While many professional athletes use this form of treatment for sore muscles, and recovery it is not tested and approved by the FDA. This trend has been around for over 30 years and has been used in Europe since that time, but we are just now catching onto this chilly trend in the states. It is not for everyone, and there are definite health risks if you do not follow instructions but there has been good results to come from it. While it is not proven for weight loss, it will definitely give you more energy in the long run as you are wide-awake when the treatment is over! It is rather expensive, costing over $100 dollars for a single session for about 3-4 minutes. Proven or not, many professional athletes swear by it. Cryotherapy’s main focuses are repairing muscles, ligaments, and tendons for better recovery.
References
- Cull, I. (n.d.). Cryotherapy Health Trend Growing in Bay Area. Retrieved February 18, 2016, from http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Cryotherapy-Examining-the-Latest-Health-Trend-Does-it-Work-369071171.html
- Should You Try Whole Body Cryotherapy? (n.d.). Retrieved February 18, 2016, from http://www.msn.com/en-us/health/wellness/should-you-try-whole-body-cryotherapy/ar-BBoGHKt
- (n.d.). Retrieved February 18, 2016, from http://www.forbes.com/sites/brucelee/2015/11/23/the-cold-hard-facts-on-cryotherapy/#66eae6b11334