9 Reasons You Should Say ‘Yes’ to Cryotherapy
The term Cryotherapy (also known as cold therapy) originates from the Greek word ‘Cryo’ which means cold or icy and ‘Krous’ which translates to treatment. Any treatment which uses ice or low temperatures to cure an ailment technically qualifies as cryotherapy. Cold therapy is typically applied by using ice packs, ice massage, cold therapy systems, and topical pain relief creams to reduce pain, muscle spasms, swelling, and inflammation in the affected area.
The numerous health benefits of cryotherapy make it worth a try. Let’s check out the 9 reasons for choosing cryotherapy for pain management:
1. Cryotherapy is a Time-Tested Pain Relief Technique
Cryotherapy was first used by Egyptians around 3000 BC. The ancient Egyptian medical text is known as ‘Edwin Smith Papyrus’ repeatedly mentions cold therapy to treat inflammation of infected wounds and reduce pain. Ancient Greeks used to heat and cold compression therapy as a natural pain relief technique to alleviate the pain and swelling from injuries. Today, with the advancement of science we have the luxury to apply for cold therapy benefits through advanced cold therapy systems and topical pain relievers.
2. Cryotherapy is Drug-Free
Healthcare professionals recommend Cryotherapy since it is free of NSAID medication. It is safer than oral pain relievers and doesn’t cause complications like drug overdose, addiction, or other harmful side effects. People who are reluctant to use painkillers and want a natural pain relief remedy see cryotherapy as an easy and safe alternative. It is found that the people who use cryotherapy require none or much less pain relief medication, which helps them resume their daily routine quickly.
3. Quick Pain Relief Uses Pain Gate Phenomenon
Cryotherapy works on the principle of Pain Gate Theory. According to pain gate theory, the perception of pain in our brain is regulated by nerve cells. The nerves transmit the perceived pain signals from the skin of the injured area to the brain via the spinal cord. Cryotherapy numbs the nerve endings of the painful area and sends a cold sensation to the brain. The cold sensation overrides and blocks the pain signals from reaching the brain. In simple terms, cryotherapy gives our brain something else to think about rather than feel pain.
Additionally, cryotherapy reduces the rate of cell damage and swelling which is directly related to pain. The low temperature created by cryotherapy cools the skin’s surface and underlying tissues, which constricts the blood vessels of the injured area by a process called vasoconstriction. Vasoconstriction of blood vessels slows down the leakage of fluids into the tissues. As the cold continues to penetrate the skin, the cold-induced vasoconstriction decreases the oxygen requirement of cells. The reduction in metabolic rate of the injured cells provides relief from muscle spasms and lowers sensitivity to pain. Cryotherapy is recommended as soon as the injury has occurred. It is most effective when used within 72 hours post-injury. Cryotherapy is substantially beneficial while managing pain and swelling, particularly around an injured joint or tendon.
4. One Solution for All Inflammation-Related Ailments
Exposure to cold temperatures raises adiponectin levels in the body, which makes cryotherapy an effective technique for treating all major inflammation-related ailments. According to the study published in the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases, cryotherapy was found to be highly effective in providing pain relief to people suffering from fibromyalgia. Cryotherapy temporarily reduces nerve activity, which helps relieve the pain that comes with sprains, sore muscles, stretched ligaments, injured joints, and strained tendons. It is especially beneficial for athletes, and gym buffs who suffer from lower back pain, stiff neck, muscle soreness, and knee pain. It is regularly recommended by physical therapists to people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, autoimmune disorders, spondylitis, psoriasis, dermatitis, tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, sciatica, and osteoporosis.
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