Cold therapy, contrary to popular belief, is not only intended for athletes but for all individuals struggling with rheumatic problems of soft tissues and connective tissues, inflammation of the musculoskeletal system, or ankylosing spinal joint inflammations.
Cryotherapy strengthens joints, relieves pain, and rejuvenates! Although the first thought of spending even a few minutes at -120 degrees is not the most inviting. A visit to the cryochamber, that is cold therapy, is recommended not only for athletes but for everyone dealing with the above-mentioned health problems. We discuss what to expect and how to prepare for a cryochamber treatment with a physiotherapist and coordinator of the Health Spa Institute – Janusz Szczypior.
– What exactly does cold treatment involve?
- During whole-body cryotherapy in a cryogenic chamber, the human body is exposed to a low temperature of about -120°C for a period of 2 to 5 minutes. This temperature has a beneficial effect on the immune system, supports biological renewal, slows down aging processes, enhances cosmetic effects, improves mood, and also removes feelings of fatigue. After whole-body cryotherapy, patients feel warmth, relaxation, and calm. An indispensable element associated with whole-body cryotherapy is gymnastics, which takes place in a new, well-equipped gym.
– The procedure – whole-body cryotherapy – is quite popular. It is used, among others, by people coming to the Ustroń Health Resort for stays with procedures under the "Cold and Activity" program. We also often host professional athletes for whom it is also a form of regeneration. Who can and should use cold therapy?
– Low temperature mobilizes the body. It forces it to act. In the initial phase, blood vessels constrict, then dilate to supply oxygen-rich and nutrient-rich blood to all tissues. The cryochamber is recommended for people suffering from musculoskeletal diseases, neurological disorders, frequent respiratory tract infections. This procedure is also used in cosmetology and biological renewal, hence the great interest in it among athletes. Low temperature stimulates the entire body. It relaxes skeletal muscles and relieves pain, reduces swelling of joints and soft tissues, and causes active peripheral hyperemia of tissues. Thanks to treatments in the cryochamber, the body's immunity increases, skin complexion improves, and aging processes slow down. Cold also positively affects our mood – it improves well-being, and we feel relaxed, loose, and full of energy.
– You convinced me with the slowing down of aging processes! I'm interested! How should I prepare for the procedure?
– Whole-body cryotherapy requires a medical consultation. The treatment cannot be used by people after a heart attack, with arrhythmias, circulatory failure, and after cancer diseases. Contraindications also include skin damage, kidney and bladder diseases, feverish conditions, sensory disorders, hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, and respiratory tract diseases. Additionally, before the treatment, pulse and blood pressure are measured. You also need to bring appropriate clothing for the procedure. It is advisable to have a special cryochamber set (shorts and for women – a sleeveless shirt), thick socks, gloves, a headband or hat, a face mask, and clogs. Jewelry cannot be worn in the cryochamber.
– And dressed like this, we enter the cryochamber.
– First, we enter the vestibule for about 30 seconds. The temperature there is about -70 degrees. In the main chamber, we stay from 1 to 3 minutes at a temperature from -110 to -160 degrees. During the procedure, we walk calmly, avoid sudden movements, breathe slowly and not very deeply. A physiotherapist directly observes the patients and supervises everything.
– Will I see effects after the first treatment?
– Cold therapy brings the best effects when the cryochamber is used in series. Preferably daily for 6 to 15 days.
