The Chilling Truth: Unveiling the Benefits of Cryotherapy

Welcome back, readers! After a long break, I am excited to dive into a topic that has been making waves in the health and wellness community – cryotherapy. In this blog post, we will explore the fascinating world of cryotherapy and shed light on its potential benefits for our physical and mental well-being. So, grab a warm cup of tea, get cozy, and let's embark on this chilly journey together!

What is Cryotherapy?

Before we delve into its benefits, let's start by understanding what cryotherapy entails. Cryotherapy is a therapeutic practice that involves exposing the body to extremely cold temperatures for a short period. Typically, this is achieved through specialized cryotherapy chambers or localized treatments using cryogenic gases like nitrogen.

What are some benefits of Cryotherapy?

Accelerated Recovery and Reduced Inflammation:

One of the most significant benefits of cryotherapy lies in its potential to accelerate recovery and reduce inflammation. By subjecting the body to cold temperatures, cryotherapy can help alleviate muscle soreness, joint pain, and inflammation. Athletes, in particular, have embraced cryotherapy as a means to enhance their recovery process and optimize performance.

Enhanced Athletic Performance:

Do you have dreams of breaking your personal records or maximizing your athletic potential? Cryotherapy might be worth considering. By promoting circulation and reducing inflammation, cryotherapy has been reported to enhance muscle strength, endurance, and overall athletic performance.

Mood Enhancement and Mental Well-being:

Beyond its physical benefits, cryotherapy has also been associated with mood enhancement and improved mental well-being. The exposure to cold temperatures triggers the release of endorphins, also known as the "feel-good" hormones, which can result in increased energy levels and a more positive mindset.

Pain Management and Rehabilitation:

Cryotherapy's analgesic properties make it a valuable tool for pain management and rehabilitation. Localized cryotherapy treatments can target specific areas of the body, providing relief from chronic pain conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and migraines. Additionally, cryotherapy can aid in post-surgery recovery and help individuals regain their mobility faster.

Stress Reduction and Sleep Improvement:

The invigorating effects of cryotherapy have been shown to reduce stress levels and promote better sleep

Exploring Different Cryotherapy Methods:

To provide a well-rounded understanding, we will discuss various cryotherapy methods, including whole-body cryotherapy and localized cryotherapy. By examining their differences and potential applications, you can determine which approach aligns best with your goals and preferences.

Personally, I have seen reductions in inflammation and increased energy with whole-body cryotherapy sessions. And those sessions have been a nice addition to my self care routine.

What does cryotherapy cost?

The average cost of a cryotherapy session in New York can vary depending on several factors, such as the location, facility, and specific type of cryotherapy treatment. On average, a single whole-body cryotherapy session in New York City can range from $35 to $100. However, it's important to note that prices may differ among different providers, so it's advisable to research and compare costs before booking a session. Additionally, some places offer discounted packages or membership plans for multiple sessions, which can help reduce the overall cost per session.

Where can you find Cryotherapy Services?

There are several cryotherapy providers in the US. Here are a few examples with their website addresses and the states they are located in:

1. CryoUSA - https://cryousasolutions.com (Based in Texas)

2. CryoZone - https://www.thecryozone.com (Multiple locations across California, Texas, and Florida)

3. US Cryotherapy - https://www.uscryotherapy.com (Multiple locations across various states)

4. CryoFit - https://www.cryofit.co (Based in Florida)

5. CryoRevive - https://www.cryorevive.com (Based in New York)

6. Chill Cryotherapy - https://www.chillcryo.net (Based in New Jersey)

7. Cryo-X - https://cryo-x.com (Based in Colorado)

8. Impact Cryotherapy - https://impactcryo.com (Based in Georgia)

O. iCRYO - https://www.icryo.com/ (Multiple locations across various states)

Please note that the availability of these providers and their locations may change over time, so it's always recommended to visit their websites or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information.

So should you try it?

While cryotherapy can have potential benefits for certain individuals, it is important to consider certain factors and consult with a healthcare professional before trying it. Cryotherapy involves exposing the body to extremely cold temperatures for a short period of time, which may have risks and side effects.

It is generally not recommended for individuals with certain medical conditions such as Raynaud's disease, cold allergies, asthma, claustrophobia, or certain heart conditions. Pregnant women and individuals with open wounds or infections should also avoid cryotherapy.

If you are considering cryotherapy, it is advisable to consult with your healthcare provider to evaluate whether it is suitable for you based on your medical history and individual circumstances. They can provide guidance on any potential risks or contraindications specific to your situation.

What is PNF? Can it help my Flexibility?

Do you have difficulty touching your toes or reaching behind your back?  Do you have lower back pain, knee pain, or simply are just feeling tight?  Using PNF techniques may help you increase your range of motion and reduce pain caused by tight muscles!

I have used a PNF technique called contract and release numerous times to increase the range of motion of nearly every joint in my body,  PNF stands for Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation.  PNF is a therapy treatment approach which uses movement patterns to help improve motor responses, improve neuromuscular control, and ultimately reduce tension in muscles.  It "involves both the stretching and contraction of the muscle group being targeted" (CyberPT.com).  This techniques are used in Physical therapy practices, Therapeutic Massage therapy practices, and by fitness professionals as flexibility training for their clients.  

One of my favorite recourses on how to use PNF techniques is Becoming a Supple Leopard by Dr. Kelly Starrett aith Glen Cordoza.

Interested in learning more?  Here are some additional resources below

CyberPT.com

www.physiotherapy-treatment.com

Kelly Starrett's You Tube Channel

Arthritis - Natural Remedies

There are many forms for arthritis, which another way of say joint disease.  There are actually over 100 types.  The most common are Osteoarthritis (cartilage deterioration) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (inflammatory arthritis).  Regardless, of which type inflammation at the joint can occur.   Many things that can be done to preserve joint function, mobility and quality of life.  You just have to do them.  One way is through your diet; maintaining a healthy weight and getting the right nutrients.  This Harvard Health Publishing article, highlights "New ways to beat osteoarthritis pain"Below are a list herbs you can take as a supplement or add to you meals that can help manage symptoms (please not that this is not a complete list):

• Tumeric - anti-inflammatory properties 
• Ginger - anti-inflammatory properties
• Capsaicin (Pepper) - pain-relieving properties
• Tumeric - anti-inflammatory properties
• Omega 3 Fatty Acids - anti-inflammatory properties

**As with any health treatment, it's important to talk with your doctor before you begin any new program. Your doctor knows your unique health story best—he or she can help you decide what would be the most helpful and effective options for you.

Sports Massage is Not Just for Athletes, it for Injuries

Sports Massage was once only used by professional athletes, Olympic athletes, and collagen athletes to help keep them healthy.  Today, so many people are physically active; The weekend warriors, Tuff Mudder's, American Ninja Warriors, Spartan Racers, and Cross Fitters among others.  If you have been injured like myself, you dislike being out of commission for any length of time.  For me "Sport(s)" simply mean rigorous activity where muscles, tendons, bones, ligaments, and joints will be taxed.

In many sports because of rigorous training and/ or competition injuries will occur ranging in severity.  The greater the force applied to the body, the potential for injury also increases.  Injuries usually start as acute (sudden injury), but can also become chronic (long lasting).  Injurie predominantly occur two ways, an external force (trauma) or an internal force (repetitive activity).  Repetitive injuries are also known as overuse injuries like tendonitis, but can also be caused by recurrent trauma injuries.  Some of the most common sports injuries are ankle sprains, MCL sprain, ACL Sprain, Plantar fasciitis, bursitis, Shin Splints, ITB Syndrome, Sciatica, and shoulder impingements.  Do any of these sound familiar to you?  To mitigate the risk of re-injury full healing of the tissues in very important and that where Massage therapy comes in.  

A Sports Massage uses the same techniques as a Swedish Massage or a Deep Tissue Massage.  The key to a good Sports Massage is the ability use specific techniques to achieve the best result for the injury and for the individual an the training season (On, Off, or transition period).  

by Taniya Brandon, L.M.T, NASM- CPT, Lifestyle and Weight Management Coach

Unilateral Training for Injury Prevention

Many muscle injuries occur during the eccentric phase of a movement because of the muscle inability to dynamically stabilize.  It is important to include unilateral movements and isometric holds into your recovery routine to improve your dynamic stabilization.  Check out this Artical from T-Nation that highlights good 4 unilateral movements to help prevent injury and increase performance.

by Taniya Brandon, L.M.T, NASM- CPT, Lifestyle and Weight Management Coach

Sports Massage for Recovery of Skeletal Muscle From Strenuous Exercise

Have you ever woke up feeling sore or even had difficulty walking after a great workout, race, or event?  Job, well done!! That is one of the side effect of strenuous exerice.  Now it's time to recover. Check out this article from the http://stretchcoach.com about how to help your recovery.

by Taniya Brandon, L.M.T, NASM- CPT, Lifestyle and Weight Management Coach