You’ve had a rough week: you’ve worked hard, you’ve worked out hard … now it’s time to recover. You’ve likely heard about cryotherapy but maybe you’re not sure what it is or how it works. No worries. We’ve got your back with this primer:
What is Cryotherapy and What is the Science Behind It?
Whole-body cryotherapy involves immersing the body in a cold chamber, which emits vapors at extremely low temperatures ranging from -110℃ to -160 ℃ (around -160℉ to -220℉). This is usually done for an interval of 2 to 4 minutes, where the individual is undressed with the exception of underwear and possibly socks and gloves to protect the hands and feet.
Nowadays, cryotherapy is a medical treatment used for a variety of conditions. Recovery from injuries is a common application, but whole-body cryotherapy goes far beyond that. Recent studies support anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant effects of cold therapy protocols.
In athletes and other hard-training individuals, cryotherapy is used to promote recovery and combat muscle soreness and exercise-induced inflammation. The same benefits can help regular golfers as well, as you’ll see below:
Top 8 Recovery Benefits of Cryotherapy
- Cryotherapy can reduce DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) and the discomfort associated with sore and overused muscles.
- Cryotherapy can repair muscles by the stimulation of various regenerative pathways.
- Cryotherapy can significantly reduce inflammation in the body.
- Cryotherapy can increase the production of mitochondria in the body, which typically means better health, strength, and endurance.
- Cryotherapy can help improve muscle growth by producing myostatin blockers, which are the “Holy Grail” of body-builders.
- Cryotherapy can improve mood and mental clarity.
- Cryotherapy can boost energy while also possibly improving sleep quality.
- Cryotherapy can lead to significant anti-aging effects through a variety of methods.
