Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Whole Body Cryotherapy

The new trend in cryotherapy is quickly sweeping the nation, the “Cryosauna” as it is termed, is the name of the unit that submerges the entire body in freezing cold temperature to ensure total body recovery.  The skin’s temperature is lowered to approximately 30 degrees for three minutes by exposing the naked body to temperatures between negative 133 to negative 320 degrees.  Many of the metroplex’s college, professional, and elite athletes are already jumping on board this trend, and seeing recovery results beyond the traditional cold plunge.
Sports medicine professionals have been using whole body cryotherapy in many forms, namely ice baths, for many years.  The effects seen on the body aid in both the healing and recovery process, allow for optimum performance at the highest levels.  The differences between water and air submersion are the key to the cryosauna’s success.  The biggest advantage to the cryosauna is the time the body is inside the chamber.  Three minutes is all it takes to achieve optimum results, verse an 8-10 minutes ice bath.  When gradually cooled in the ice bath, the body’s core tries to warm the blood as much as possible in order to send it out to the peripherals.  In contrast, the cryosauna allows the skin’s surface to drop to negative 30 degrees in just 30-45 seconds!  Another benefit to the cryosauna is that since the body is not submerged in a medium, it can be used on someone with an open wound without worrying about contamination and excessive cleaning procedures.  The body never touches the chamber.  This makes the treatment ideal for post-operative patients.
The biggest downfall to the cryosauna is the cost of treatment.  Single treatments can run anywhere from $75-$100.  Package deals offer better discounts, however the upfront cost can dent the pocketbook.  The silver lining lies in multiple companies popping up, which can provide a healthy dose of competitive rates. 

Whole body cryotherapy- a new twist on an old routine.  Google for more information!

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