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Benefits Of Cryotherapy For Athletes
What is Cryotherapy?
Benefits Of Cryotherapy For Athletes – Cryotherapy is a form of effective pain treatment that makes use of cold and freezing temperatures to relieve pain and facilitate the healing of musculo-skeletal injuries. The freezing temperature actually numbs and deaden an irritated nerve. In medical science, the localized application of cold in an affected or injured body part aims to cause the blood vessels to “Vasoconstrict” in order to avoid or reduce inflammation and bleeding.
Vasoconstriction of blood vessels slows down the blood circulation in the affected area Less blood supply results to reduced swelling and pain because the fluids and pain metabolites will cease to accumulate in the injured body part. This is the basic concept behind the process of cryotherapy.
Cryotherapy is an effective method in treating a variety of injuries and skeletal diseases. It is also popular among physical therapists who manage patients suffering from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fractures, sprains, strains, and other conditions associated with the musculo-skeletal system.
Can It Help Sports Injuries?
Sports injuries are one of the most common conditions that can benefit from cryotherapy treatment. Basically, the localized application of cold over an injured body part is a fairly simple method. Ice or cold packs are the most convenient choices. As first aid, ice is applied over the injured body part for a short period of 5-10 minutes to stop the swelling.
It could be longer depending on the extent of injury and size of the injured body part. The duration of a cryotherapy treatment session typically lasts for 20-30 minutes and done in several sessions until improvement is observed. The benefits of cryotherapy for athletes is highly significant both as first aid and for long term serious injury treatments. Cryotherapy effectively treats muscle spasms, muscle soreness, joint inflammations, tendinitis, ligamentous tears, and muscle injuries among many others.
Two Major Types of Cryotherapy:
There are basically two types of cryotherapy treatments; Localized and Whole Body Localized Cryotherapy is the application of cold to a specific area in the body. Examples are the knee joint, quadriceps muscles, shoulder joint, or calf muscles.
The use of ice packs or direct icing are the most commonly used methods in localized treatments. Treatment sessions usually last for 15-30 minutes and done for several sessions. This form of cryotherapy works well as a first aid treatment wherein “I-C-E” must be applied to an injured person or athlete. I stands for Ice or Cryotherapy, C- stands for Compression or application of pressure to the affected part, and E – stands for Elevation wherein the affected part must be elevated to keep the fluids from accumulating thereby avoiding inflammation.
The application of ice is crucial in this first aid because it can constrict the blood vessels and prevent further damage and pain to the injured part. Localized cryotherapy is not only effective in treating injuries. It could also be done after an intense training or
Localized cryotherapy is not only effective in treating injuries’ It could also be done after an intense training or immediately after a game. It helps reduce the risks of muscle and joint pains after a strenuous activity, as well as swelling and inflammation, and muscle cramps. It is a convenient method that is both effective and inexpensive. It has been known to save a lot of athletes from extreme pain and swelling.
Whole Body Cyrotherapy:
Whole Body Cryotherapy refers to the exposure of the entire body to extreme cold temperatures of -200 to -250 degrees Fahrenheit. The treatment usually lasts for 3 minutes and done for several sessions. The after effects of this type of cryotherapy are also said to be longer.
Total pain relief is expected for 6-8 hours post treatment. After completing 10-20 treatment sessions, there will be 2 to 3 months of complete relief from muscle pain and spasms. Whole Body Cryotherapy benefits include longer pain-free periods and more efficient relief from muscle spasms. Athletes can benefit from this treatment because it also speeds up the recovery of injuries.
The whole body treatment also treats all the muscles and ligaments in the body particularly the ones that are most susceptible to injuries, spasms, and inflammation. There are two methods of whole body cryotherapy. One is through ice bath wherein the whole body from the neck all the way down is submerged in an ice water bath. A more sophisticated and modern method is also available and makes use of a cryotherapy chamber which resembles a refrigeration system that can comfortably fit an adult.
Whole body cryotherapy benefits range from simple pain relief and reduction of inflammation all the way to prevention of dementia, cancer treatment, stress management, treatment of skin problems such as eczema and dermatitis, and treatment of depression and anxiety. This makes whole body cryotherapy a highly beneficial treatment option for all people from different walks of life.
Cryotherapy for Skin Treatment:
Cryotherapy is not just an effective means to treat muscle-related injuries and bodily pains. It is also an excellent skin care treatment for those who have oily skin and open pores. Cold treatment effectively tightens the skin pores, controls oil production, promotes cell renewal, and evens out the skin ton. Furthermore, exposing the skin to cold temperatures can make the skin look younger, firmer, and more healthy-looking with smaller pores. People with acne problems can also benefit from cryotherapy because the cold treatment can effectively tighten the pores that tend to excrete excess oil to the skin and cause build up of pimple-causing germs.
tighten the pores that tend to excrete excess oil to the skin and cause build up of pimple-causing germs. Aside from acne, cryotherapy can also treat skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis. The exposure of the affected skin to extreme cold can kill and eliminate the fungi that causes these skin diseases to promote healthier skin. These cryotherapy skin benefits are actually comparable to the benefits of more expensive skin treatments.
What makes Cryotherapy relevant in the medical field?
Cryotherapy is an effective treatment method that can effectively treat musculo-skeletal injuries, pain caused by arthritis, and even skin problems among many others. Even without any form of injury, it can be used as a preventive treatment method among athletes following an intense training or after a game.
Aside from being an effective first aid treatment, it is an effective means to protect the tissues to prevent further damage. One thing that makes cryotherapy highly relevant is the fact that it can help manage a lot of conditions. Aside from athletes, a lot of people can also benefit from its properties. It is also a treatment option worth trying because the effects are long lasting and are highly beneficial to one’s health and overall well being.
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