Cryotherapy may sound like a futuristic treatment and of course, the whole body cryochambers and localised devices for giving cryotherapy do take advantage of some of the wonderful advancements in technology, but the idea of cryotherapy dates back many, many years. The ancient Romans would take curative plunges in frigidarium baths and the Norsemen and women took to the icy fjords and lakes for rejuvenating winter swims.
VSP have a great deal of experience in cryotherapy and feel well placed to impart our wisdom as to its great potential to deal with inflammation.

Of course, our ancestors may have realised that using cold treatments worked without understanding the mechanism behind the improvements in the various ailments, injuries and fatigues that they treated. In fact, we are still learning all the time about just what makes cryotherapy such a potent tool for (among other things) reducing inflammation. A lot of research is going on right now, for instance, in whether cryotherapy could be used to prevent dementia, by reducing the specific kind of inflammation believed to be the main trigger.

The first ‘modern’ proof

Fast forward to the late 1970s and specifically 1978, when Japanese rheumatologist Dr. Toshima Yamaguchi managed to successfully treat pain and inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis. This was essentially the birth of modern cryotherapy as Doctor Toshima Yamaguchi found that rapid, short-term freezing of the body or parts of the body was more effective than gradual cooling that can be achieved with an ice bath or pack. Thanks to his pioneering efforts, cryotherapy is now used as a powerful treatment for inflammatory disorders across the spectrum as well as being used to treat mental health and depression.
VSP are proud to be one of relatively few UK skin clinics to offer both localised and whole-body cryotherapy.

In terms of the exact mechanism behind cryotherapy’s ability to reduce inflammation there is still much to learn, however, there has been some illuminating research carried out. When the human body is exposed to extremely cold temperatures there is an emergency response triggered. The physiological effect of this is to restrict blood flow to the body’s core and to facilitate the release of a delicious cocktail of hormones, such as adrenaline as well as endorphins. The heart pumps harder and blood flows quicker. As cryotherapy makes the temperature drop even faster the response is heightened. After the cryotherapy is completed and the body begins to warm, you will receive oxygen-rich blood, boosting energy and wellbeing as well as pain reduction. There is often a feeling of euphoria. The most recent research shows that cryotherapy “can have an influence on key inflammatory events at a cellular and physiological level after an acute soft tissue injury.”

Once you have tried cryotherapy you will understand just why the medical and beauty communities alike are so excited about it.

One of the best things about cryotherapy is that it has the ability to decrease inflammation while at the same time stressing your body so that cells are kept in an active state. The short sharp cold experience can yield an adaptive response, increasing your white blood cells and immune response, thus bolstering your immune system. It also helps to increase antioxidants that support liver and immune function. The evidence shows that a little inflammation after exercise is a good thing, so cryotherapy should wait for at least an hour, post exercise. The best results for athletes has been shown to be at least an hour after exertion but not longer than 48 hours after exertion.

We understand how frustrating it is to deal with all kinds of conditions, both acute and chronic. Just imagine how wonderful it would feel to be able to do something about it!
Get in touch with our cryotherapy specialist to discuss booking your personalised session.
Our pricing and offers can be found here for whole body cryo and here for localised cryo.