Cryotherapy, otherwise known as cold therapy, is the use of freezing or near-freezing temperatures for medical therapy. Cryotherapy was developed in 1970 by Japanese rheumatologist Toshima Yamaguchi. It was then introduced to the US the following decade. Unlike many innovations developed throughout the last few decades, cryotherapy is not FDA-approved and is deemed dangerous. The FDA does not take part in regulating cryotherapy or its cryo chambers and they are not seen as medical devices. However, they have recognized select devices upon strict regulations for government or military purchasing. Due to cryotherapy being fairly new, many potential benefits have not been proven or discovered yet.
The most common form of cryotherapy is used non-medically in spa settings. Cryotherapy facials apply liquid nitrogen over for face for two to three minutes, giving the skin a dewy, youthful, brightened look. In rare cases, symptoms of numbness, tingling, or frostbite may occur, which is why it is important to see trained professionals. The cold liquid nitrogen induces blood vessel contraction which tightens pores. Upon the skin returning to its normal temperature, the blood vessels dilate. Blood flow increases to the face, giving the skin a plump, radiant appearance. Cryotherapy facials are an aesthetic procedure, however, its benefits do not stop there. Providers may use cryotherapy on other areas of the body to aid in arthritis pain, cancer, eczema, weight loss, fibromyalgia, and migraines.
When a musculoskeletal injury occurs, the body’s inflammatory cells and macrophages release IGF1 - a growth factor - which kills damaged tissue. This induces swelling seen in muscle sprains and other injuries. The use of cryotherapy decreases the temperature of the tissues, slowing down cell death, and reducing the potential for further inflammation and swelling. This encourages the tissue and nearby areas to heal and regenerate the muscle cells. Similar mechanisms can be seen when applying ice packs or doing ice baths for injuries. Although the risks are small, the potential for severe complications exists. A minimally invasive treatment, cryotherapy may still result in cramping, bone fractures, nerve damage, infections with pus discharge, and permanent swelling and scarring (primarily on darker skin).
Whole-body cryotherapy is done as a wellness procedure for people looking to tighten aged skin or a treatment to reduce inflammation to body injuries or pain. Instead of applying liquid nitrogen directly onto the skin, the entire body is placed in a “booth” where temperatures are electrically reduced. Medical instances of liquid nitrogen application may be seen in a dermatologist's office to remove skin lesions such as warts, keloids, and skin tags. Oncologists may use cryosurgery to treat visible and easily accessible tumors such as squamous cell carcinomas, retinoblastomas, prostate cancer, bone cancer, cervical cancer, and both benign and malignant growths. Cryotherapy is an out-of-pocket procedure but should still be reserved for third- or fourth-line treatments.
Many studies have been conducted to establish the cardiovascular benefits of cryotherapy after cardiac arrest. Upon successful resuscitation after cardiac arrest, healthcare facilities may use therapeutic hypothermia to reduce damage to the heart muscle and brain. It is used in rare cases where the individual does not wake up after ROSC. Chilled IV fluids and cooling blankets may be provided to speed up the process over 24 hours. Afterward, the patient will be rewarmed. Follwo-up brain function tests such as EEGs or head CTs are conducted to observe brain recovery, damage, or overall changes. There have been varying results of benefits and no changes, however, further studies are required. It is evident that cryotherapy continues to be a promising technique with various applications in the world.
Cryotherapy, otherwise known as cold therapy, is the use of freezing or near-freezing temperatures for medical therapy. Cryotherapy was developed in 1970 by Japanese rheumatologist Toshima Yamaguchi. It was then introduced to the US the following decade. Unlike many innovations developed throughout the last few decades, cryotherapy is not FDA-approved and is deemed dangerous. The FDA does not take part in regulating cryotherapy or its cryo chambers and they are not seen as medical devices. However, they have recognized select devices upon strict regulations for government or military purchasing. Due to cryotherapy being fairly new, many potential benefits have not been proven or discovered yet.
The most common form of cryotherapy is used non-medically in spa settings. Cryotherapy facials apply liquid nitrogen over for face for two to three minutes, giving the skin a dewy, youthful, brightened look. In rare cases, symptoms of numbness, tingling, or frostbite may occur, which is why it is important to see trained professionals. The cold liquid nitrogen induces blood vessel contraction which tightens pores. Upon the skin returning to its normal temperature, the blood vessels dilate. Blood flow increases to the face, giving the skin a plump, radiant appearance. Cryotherapy facials are an aesthetic procedure, however, its benefits do not stop there. Providers may use cryotherapy on other areas of the body to aid in arthritis pain, cancer, eczema, weight loss, fibromyalgia, and migraines.
When a musculoskeletal injury occurs, the body’s inflammatory cells and macrophages release IGF1 - a growth factor - which kills damaged tissue. This induces swelling seen in muscle sprains and other injuries. The use of cryotherapy decreases the temperature of the tissues, slowing down cell death, and reducing the potential for further inflammation and swelling. This encourages the tissue and nearby areas to heal and regenerate the muscle cells. Similar mechanisms can be seen when applying ice packs or doing ice baths for injuries. Although the risks are small, the potential for severe complications exists. A minimally invasive treatment, cryotherapy may still result in cramping, bone fractures, nerve damage, infections with pus discharge, and permanent swelling and scarring (primarily on darker skin).
Whole-body cryotherapy is done as a wellness procedure for people looking to tighten aged skin or a treatment to reduce inflammation to body injuries or pain. Instead of applying liquid nitrogen directly onto the skin, the entire body is placed in a “booth” where temperatures are electrically reduced. Medical instances of liquid nitrogen application may be seen in a dermatologist's office to remove skin lesions such as warts, keloids, and skin tags. Oncologists may use cryosurgery to treat visible and easily accessible tumors such as squamous cell carcinomas, retinoblastomas, prostate cancer, bone cancer, cervical cancer, and both benign and malignant growths. Cryotherapy is an out-of-pocket procedure but should still be reserved for third- or fourth-line treatments.
Many studies have been conducted to establish the cardiovascular benefits of cryotherapy after cardiac arrest. Upon successful resuscitation after cardiac arrest, healthcare facilities may use therapeutic hypothermia to reduce damage to the heart muscle and brain. It is used in rare cases where the individual does not wake up after ROSC. Chilled IV fluids and cooling blankets may be provided to speed up the process over 24 hours. Afterward, the patient will be rewarmed. Follwo-up brain function tests such as EEGs or head CTs are conducted to observe brain recovery, damage, or overall changes. There have been varying results of benefits and no changes, however, further studies are required. It is evident that cryotherapy continues to be a promising technique with various applications in the world.
References
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319740#safety-and-what-to-expect
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9227663/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26031374/
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/therapeutic-hypothermia-after-cardiac-arrest