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Whole-Body Cryotherapy by Dr . Tiffany Garcia , DC
Pain – dull , sharp , aching , throbbing , sore , lingering – no matter its intensity or location , we want it gone . While there are a multitude of quick fixes , lasting pain relief can remain elusive , especially for those with chronic , inflammatory conditions such as arthritis , or back and neck pain . Enter a refreshing burst of cold air – whole-body cryotherapy . Once an exclusive resource for elite athletes around the world , this revolutionary technology is going main stream , making its benefits not only accessible , but affordable .
Dr . Tiffany Garcia , DC , a graduate of Life University , is a chiropractic physician and acupuncture practitioner at First State Health & Wellness — Christiana .
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PAIN FREE-ZING
Whole-body cold therapy is being used to promote inflammation reduction , muscle recovery , enhanced athletic performance , anti-aging , weight loss and other health-related goals . It may provide relief for an array of symptoms , including stress , insomnia , muscle and joint pain , and headaches .
HOW COLD IS COLD ?
While extreme cold has been used to treat inflammation for centuries , it has traditionally taken the form of ice packs , which can be inconvenient and cumbersome or ice baths , which are notoriously time-consuming and uncomfortable .
Today , accelerated cold therapy is administered in just three minutes . The patient steps inside a chamber wearing only protective gloves , footwear , and minimal clothing , such as a bathing suit . The prechilled cryotherapy chamber rapidly fills with nitrogen mist , which drops the temperature to a range of -275 ° F to -300 ° F and temporarily lowers the temperature of the skin ’ s top layer . While cooling , skin receptors signal the brain to release endorphins and blood is drawn to the core . Upon warming , enriched , oxygenated blood replenishes the extremities and stimulates the immune system . All sessions are continuously monitored and the patient can exit at any time .
PUTTING THE BIG CHILL ON ARTHRITIS
In 1978 , Japan originally began using cryotherapy to treat rheumatoid arthritis , a concept that eventually spread to Europe , and ultimately inspired the whole-body cryotherapy systems in use today . True to its roots , the treatment continues to be an option for patients struggling with pain and inflammation .
For 20 years , Heather Klebon sought relief from the intense , chronic pain of rheumatoid arthritis . “ I eventually got used to not doing things because it hurt ,” she says . “ Following my whole-body cryotherapy sessions . . . I experienced increased energy , alertness , improved circulation and a huge reduction of pain , especially in the morning when inflammation is usually at its worst . I ’ ve been able to accomplish the chores I was avoiding .”
It may provide relief for an array of symptoms , including stress , insomnia , muscle and joint pain , and headaches .
A GAME CHANGER FOR ATHLETES
Professional and recreational athletes alike have incorporated the technology into their regimes , using subzero temperatures to help them rapidly recover from strenuous workouts and injuries .
“ The whole-body cryotherapy chamber was a quick , convenient way to add cold therapy to my pre- and post-race training for the 2015 Ironman Maryland event ,” says Eric Wolf , Certified Personal Trainer and avid tri-athlete . “ The treatments helped my body reset itself , significantly reducing my inflammation and soreness , so that I could train harder and recover faster .”
While a relatively new concept to the general public , the use of cold therapy has a lengthy history with many benefits . We invite you to continuously explore new drug-free , surgery-free options for optimal health and healing !