Cryotherapy, a cold therapy method that involves exposing your body to extremely low temperatures, has gained popularity for its potential health benefits, including pain relief, faster recovery, and improved mood. If you’re thinking about giving cryotherapy a shot, whether in Dublin or anywhere else, let’s make sure you’re all set. In this article, we’ll chat about how to get ready for your cryotherapy session, uncover its awesome benefits, and give you a sneak peek into what to expect during the treatment.
The Benefits of Cryotherapy
Before delving into preparation, let’s briefly explore the benefits of cryotherapy:
- Shorter Recovery Time Post-Exercise: Cryotherapy can help reduce muscle soreness and speed up recovery after intense workouts.
- Pain Relief: It’s known for its analgesic (pain-relieving) effects, making it a popular choice among individuals seeking pain management solutions.
- Faster Resolution of Soft Tissue Injuries: Cryotherapy may aid in healing soft tissue injuries, such as strains and sprains.
- Reduces Fatigue: Many users report feeling energised and less fatigued after cryotherapy sessions.
- Injury Prevention: Regular cryotherapy sessions can help prevent injuries by reducing inflammation and improving overall body function.
- Promotes Neural and Cardiovascular System Recovery: It aids in the recovery of the nervous and cardiovascular systems, supporting overall health.
- Promotes Increased Fat Metabolism/Weight Loss: Some individuals use cryotherapy as a tool to support weight loss efforts.
➡️ Read More: HOW CRYOTHERAPY EFFECTS YOUR BODY THE MINUTE YOU STEP INTO THE BATH
Duration of Cryotherapy
The length of a cryotherapy session varies depending on the type of treatment. For example, cryotherapy for skin issues often involves freezing the area, causing the lesion and a small surrounding area to turn white. Sometimes, this treatment may need to be repeated or extended.
In contrast, whole-body cryotherapy, commonly performed in a cryogenic spa, typically lasts a few minutes. The exact duration may depend on your personal comfort level and the objectives you want to achieve – specifically, at our physio clinic, our approach usually involves 10-minute sessions in cold water with the option to add muscle-soothing additives for enhanced recovery.
What to Expect During Cryotherapy
To better explain, you can gauge the duration of exposure to extreme cold by monitoring the four distinct stages of cold treatment. The initial stage may bring about discomfort, followed by a stinging sensation in the second stage, a sensation of burning or aching in the third stage, and finally, numbness in the fourth stage. It typically takes between five to fifteen minutes to progress through these four stages.
Interestingly, right after exiting the cryogenic spa, in addition to the well-documented analgesic effect, noticeable shifts occur in patients’ mental states. These changes manifest as an improved mood, deep relaxation, a sense of freshness, consolation, and even euphoria. This unique mental state persists for an extended period following the conclusion of the cryotherapy session.
Who Should Avoid Cryotherapy?
While cryotherapy can be beneficial for many, it’s not suitable for everyone. You should avoid cryotherapy if you:
- Have severely high blood pressure.
- Suffer from conditions like Raynaud’s Syndrome, tumour diseases, symptomatic lung disorders, or bleeding disorders.
* Always consult a healthcare professional before undergoing cryotherapy to determine if it’s safe for you.
How to Prepare for Cryotherapy
Here’s what you need to know and do to prepare for a cryotherapy session:
- Dress Appropriately: You’ll be required to wear minimal clothing during the session, so choose comfortable, dry, and moisture-wicking clothing. Avoid lotions, oils, or makeup on your skin, as they can interfere with the process.
- Hydrate: Ensure you’re well-hydrated before your cryotherapy session. Proper hydration can enhance the effectiveness of the treatment.
- Avoid Eating Sugars: Try to avoid consuming sugars, including carbohydrates, for at least 4-5 hours before and after your session. This helps maximise the effects of cryotherapy on fat metabolism.
- Personal Hygiene: Arrive at the cryotherapy clinic clean and makeup-free. The process works best on dry skin, and makeup can clog your pores.
- Shower: There’s no need to shower before or after cryotherapy, as the treatment is a dry process. Wet hair is not permitted during the session.
- Choose the Right Time: Consider scheduling your cryotherapy session before a workout. Many users report increased energy and improved exercise performance after cryotherapy.
➡️ Read More: Should I Do Cryotherapy Before or After My Workout?
Contact Be Well Physio for More Information
If you’re interested in experiencing the benefits of cryotherapy, reach out to our physio & cryotherapy clinic in Dublin. Our sessions are only 10 minutes long, making it convenient for your busy schedule. We provide all necessary information, including guidelines on attire and hygiene, to ensure a comfortable and effective cryotherapy experience. To book your cryotherapy session or for any inquiries, please contact us today.
