*Sponsored post: Cryo by Coco*
Cryotherapy is the science of exposing the body to sub-zero temperatures of up to -110°C in order to stimulate multiple wellness benefits.
Whole body cryotherapy (WBC) is the therapeutic application of extremely cold dry air, usually between −85°C and −110°C for 3 minutes. WBC therapy is recommended and used by professionals involved in the medical field, physical therapy, wellness, chiropractic, athletic training and holistic medicine. Whole body cryotherapy stimulates the body’s natural healing abilities. WBC uses extreme cold to induce responses on three levels: the circulatory system, the energy meridians and the nervous system.
Clinical studies are numerous and focused on cryotherapy used in the treatment of pain and inflammation, diseases and disorders such as fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. It’s used for the treatment of patients postoperatively and for recovery after sports injuries. It is beneficial in treating skin conditions like psoriasis and dermatitis, general anti-ageing, weight management and mental health.
Some FAQ’s
What is Whole Body Cryotherapy (WBC)?
It is the process of exposing the body to hyper cool temperatures in order to elicit the natural healing process. WBC is used by professional athletes to decrease recovery time, and improve performance and by clients seeking recovery from musculoskeletal pain.
How does Whole Body Cryotherapy Work?
WBC is a process of exposing the body to ultra-cool air for no more than 3 minutes at a time in order to trick the brain that the body is freezing, triggering the body’s natural healing mechanisms. As your core works intensively to heat the blood and transport it to your extremities, circulation is increased, purifying blood by replacing harmful toxins with oxygen. This oxygen-purified blood, full of hormones and enzymes, then courses to your muscles and organs, accelerating healing and recovery.
How long is a session?
1-3 min
Will I be wet afterwards?
No, it’s a dry cold therapy.
What must I wear?
You may stand in your underwear or we provide clothing and all protective gear for your hands, feet and ears.
Am I left alone whilst in the chamber?
No, your therapist will be with you throughout the session.
Can two people be in the chamber together?
Yes, one or two people
What can I expect to happen during a Cryotherapy session?
Our trained staff will walk you through the process step by step so you know exactly what to expect. The session will last between 1.5 and 3 minutes. During this time your core body temperature will not change. Because the air does not contain any moisture, you will feel chilled but not uncomfortably cold. Your skin temperature will drop during the session but will increase back to normal within a few minutes of the session’s conclusion.
What are the risks of Whole Body Cryotherapy?
If you are pregnant, suffering from a blood or heart condition, being treated for cancer, suffer from seizures, suffer from a kidney or urinary tract infection, have open wounds or ulcers, or are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, WBC can potentially have adverse effects. In other cases WBC is much safer than an ice bath as cold is applied superficially and for a shorter period of time, jumpstarting your body’s natural healing mechanisms.
Is Whole Body Cryotherapy safe?
Yes. Because WBC uses dry cold air, cooling agents never actually come into contact with your skin. Because the temperature change in your body is only superficial, your internal body temperature remains constant throughout treatment. The chamber is equipped with a number of safety features. While the door closes, it never locks, so you are in full control of your environment. A trained staff member is always present to ensure your maximum safety. Our staff are fully trained to make sure you experience both ultimate healing and ultimate safety.
Is Whole Body Cryotherapy a proven treatment for recovery and health?
Yes. Whole Body Cryotherapy has been used in its modern form in Europe and Asia for over 30 years by health practitioners (including MDs). Countless studies have been done on the various health benefits of Whole Body Cryotherapy.
Is there anyone who should not use Whole Body Cryotherapy?
WBC should not be used if you are:
- Are pregnant
- Have a cold, fever, or seasonal infection (flu, sinusitis, etc.)
- Have cold-induced asthma
- Have an open wound or sore (including teeth abscesses)
- Have severe hypertension
- Have hyperthyroidism
- Have tumour diseases
- Have a heart or cardiovascular and respiratory disease (which may include heart disease, hyper- or hypotension, angina, heart failure ischemic heart disease or other rhythmic conditions)
- Have acute respiratory disease
- Have a pacemaker
- Have peripheral arterial disease (Fontaine Stages III & IV )
- Expired venous thrombosis
- Have seizures
- Have bacterial and viral skin infections
- Have acute kidney and urinary tract disease
- Are under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Heart attack which dates less than 6 months
- Have severe anaemia
- Have Raynaud’s syndrome
- Have Polyneuropathy
How often should I use Whole Body Cryotherapy?
Generally 2-3 treatments a week are sufficient for most patients, however, treatment schedules vary depending on your level of athletic activity, severity of soft tissue ailments, and other factors. Professional athletes can have treatment up to twice a day if needed.
How does Whole Body Cryotherapy compare to an ice bath?
An ice bath involves submerging a patient in cold water for about 10-20 minutes to encourage the body to increase circulation and healing. An ice bath will feel much colder and uncomfortable due to the direct conductivity of water to the skin. However, the air conductivity to the skin is different hence you don’t feel as cold as an ice bath. WBC triggers the same and advanced healing mechanisms by exposing the body to hyper cool air, resulting in a more comfortable and more effective session after only 3 minutes max. WBC purifies the blood, increases the body’s nutrient flow, and removes toxins from the system.
How does Whole Body Cryotherapy help improve my metabolism?
WBC “tricks” your body into implementing the same responses it would if you were freezing without the discomfort. Your body works much harder than normal in order to heat your body up. Consequently, it’s been reported that 500-800 calories are burned as a result of each session.
How does Whole Body Cryotherapy help heal my muscles and soft tissue?
Your body’s natural healing mechanisms are transported via your blood. WBC “tricks” your body into implementing the same responses it would if you were freezing, which means blood moves more quickly than normal in order to warm your extremities. Increased, hormone and enzyme rich blood flow means increased oxygen content, minimized toxins, and enhanced muscle recovery.
Can I work out before/after a Cryotherapy session?
Yes. It’s common for athletes to utilize WBC prior to a workout in order to increase flexibility, range of motion, blood flow, and oxygen flow. Similarly, it’s common for athletes to participate in Whole Body Cryotherapy after working out in order to expedite soft tissue healing. It is recommended that you shower prior to a session and avoid using any lotions or other topical products beforehand.
How do I prepare for a Cryotherapy session?
No preparation is needed prior to arriving at the centre. Because dry air is used, there is no need to shower afterwards. It is common for patients to use the Cryo chamber during a lunch break from work as the process is quick, clean, and simple.
Get in touch with Cryo by Coco
Website: www.cryobycoco.co.za
Instagram: www.instagram.com/cryobycoco
Phone: +27 21 518 0946
WhatsApp: +27 82 2334 401
Email: info@cyrobycoco.co.za
Physical Address: 167 Bree Street, Cape Town, South Africa (find us in our new practice at Coco Collective. We offer a wide range of aesthetic treatments. Contact us to make a booking or visit our site learn more www.cocoaesthetics.co.za)
Rochelle is the founder and driving force behind Aesthetic Appointment. With a passion for the aesthetics and pro-ageing industry in South Africa, she has been in the aesthetic publishing industry since 2012, dedicated to creating a valuable platform for insights and knowledge, bridging the gap between patients and doctors - delivering reliable, medical-based information. Rochelle firmly believes in the power of a good skincare regimen, especially when started at home, and is committed to educating consumers about the myriad of treatments, procedures, and products available to them.
- Rochelle Friedmanhttps://www.aestheticappointment.co.za/author/rochelle
- Rochelle Friedmanhttps://www.aestheticappointment.co.za/author/rochelle
- Rochelle Friedmanhttps://www.aestheticappointment.co.za/author/rochelle
- Rochelle Friedmanhttps://www.aestheticappointment.co.za/author/rochelle
