People from all walks of life have long used forms of cryotherapy—such as applying ice—to assist injuries and soothe muscles. In fact, it’s not uncommon for endurance athletes to spend several minutes in an ice bath post-exercise to speed recovery and ward off soreness.
While those methods worked well enough, a new approach to cold therapy has taken the wellness world by storm: whole-body cryotherapy. This service has become immensely popular among professional and amateur athletes alike for its ability to relieve sore muscles.
What is whole-body cryotherapy and how can it prevent and assist muscle soreness? Here’s what you need to know!
What Is Whole-Body Cryotherapy?
Whole-body cryotherapy is a service that uses liquid nitrogen to create extremely cold air in a small, enclosed chamber.
During a cryotherapy session, an individual stands in an enclosed chamber that surrounds their body, leaving their head exposed. The temperature in the enclosure drops to between negative 200-300°F. Whole-body cryotherapy sessions are very short, usually lasting between one and three minutes.
How Can Whole-Body Cryotherapy Support Muscle Recovery?
After intense exercise, micro-tears in muscle tissue cause pain and inflammation, a condition known as delayed onset muscle soreness (or DOMS). During a cryotherapy session, the frigid temperatures force your body into survival mode, redirecting blood flow from the extremities to the core.
When you exit the chamber, a rebound effect occurs, causing blood to resume its normal flow as your body warms up. Experts suggest that this recirculation effect delivers ultra-nutrient-rich blood to your muscles and joints. This is thought to stimulate muscle repair, which reduces soreness and inflammation.
What Does the Science Say?
Nobody would want to subject themselves to frigid temperatures unless they benefit from it, right? Thankfully, the benefits of cryotherapy go beyond anecdotal claims. Several studies have demonstrated its benefits when it comes to soreness relief.
Improvements in muscular tiredness and pain after strenuous exercise have been reported in the majority, but not all, of the reviewed studies.[*] In a 2017 review of several studies, researchers found that whole-body cryotherapy helped reduce muscle pain in 80 percent of the studies, as well as improved athletic recovery and performance in 71 percent of the studies.[*]
Consider Adding Whole-Body Cryotherapy to Your Spa Services
There’s a reason top athletes like Steph Curry and Cristiano Ronaldo swear by whole-body cryotherapy for athletic recovery—it works! As more research and testimonials arise, cryotherapy continues to grow in popularity. In fact, the global cryotherapy market is forecasted to reach five billion dollars by 2025.[*]
Translation? As a spa owner, this is a service you should be offering if you want to see your profits skyrocket.
If you’re interested in adding whole-body cryotherapy to your spa services or starting a mobile cryotherapy business, get in touch with The Spa Butler. Our team of seasoned professionals has over 15 years of combined experience with spa and aesthetic equipment. We would be happy to answer any questions you have and support you on your quest for increased success.