Common Side Effects of Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy, or cold therapy, involves exposing the body to cold temperatures for therapeutic purposes. It has many benefits, including pain relief, reduced inflammation, and improved recovery time.

The treatment can be administered locally, such as with ice packs or ice baths, or systemically through whole-body cryotherapy (WBC), where the entire body is exposed to cold temperatures in a specially designed chamber.

While cryotherapy is generally considered safe when administered properly, like any medical or wellness treatment, it can come with certain side effects. We feel you should be aware of these potential risks before undergoing any form of cryotherapy.

What is Cryotherapy Used For?

• Pain and Inflammation Management: Cryotherapy helps relieve pain and reduce inflammation in conditions like arthritis, sports injuries, and post-surgery recovery.
• Cancer Treatment: There’s evidence to suggest cryotherapy is also used in the treatment of certain cancers, such as lung cancer. It involves freezing and destroying cancer cells.
• Muscle Recovery: Athletes use cryotherapy for quicker recovery by reducing muscle soreness and inflammation after intense activity.
• Neurological Conditions: It may provide relief for nerve pain and muscle spasticity by numbing the affected areas.
• Mental Health: Some studies suggest cryotherapy may help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression by releasing endorphins.

How Should I Prepare for Cryotherapy?

• Talk with a Professional: Before your first cryotherapy session, consult with your doctor, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.
• Hydrate Well: Stay hydrated before and after cryotherapy, as it helps the body adjust to temperature changes and recover faster.
• Dress Appropriately: For whole-body cryotherapy, wear minimal clothing. For localised cryotherapy, wear loose-fitting clothes to expose the treatment area.
• No Heavy Meals: Avoid eating a large meal just before your session. A light snack is acceptable.
• Avoid Metal: Remove jewellery, watches, and other metal accessories to prevent cold-related discomfort or irritation.
• Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine: These can affect circulation and tolerance to the cold.

Post-Treatment Care

• Warm Up Gradually: After the session, warm up by moving around or dressing in warm clothes. Avoid hot showers immediately.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink water after the session to help with recovery and reduce any discomfort or stiffness.

Common Side Effects of Cryotherapy

While cryotherapy offers health benefits, it's not without its potential side effects, especially if treatments aren’t personalised to you.

Most side effects are mild and temporary, but it’s still important to understand what you might experience before, during, or after a session.

Skin Irritation and Redness

One of the more common side effects of cryotherapy, especially in localised treatments like ice packs or ice baths, is skin irritation. The skin may appear red or inflamed after exposure to cold temperatures, but this is usually temporary and should resolve within a few hours.

The redness occurs due to the body’s reaction to cold, as blood vessels constrict and then dilate to restore normal blood flow. For whole-body cryotherapy (WBC), the redness typically affects the areas exposed to the cold, such as the face, hands, and feet.

Numbness and Tingling

After undergoing cryotherapy, some individuals experience numbness or tingling sensations in the treated areas. This is generally temporary and occurs as the body responds to the cold exposure by numbing the nerve endings. The numbness usually fades within minutes to hours after the session as normal blood flow returns.

Cold Burns or Frostbite

Although rare, cold burns or frostbite can occur, particularly with improper application of ice or prolonged exposure to extremely cold temperatures. Whole-body cryotherapy chambers typically maintain temperatures between -200°F and -300°F, and if the exposure time exceeds recommended limits, frostbite can develop.

Symptoms of frostbite include a loss of feeling, a pale or waxy appearance of the skin, and blisters in severe cases.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia is a serious risk if the body is exposed to cold temperatures for too long. This is more of a concern for whole-body cryotherapy, especially if the treatment is not properly monitored.

Hypothermia occurs when the body’s core temperature drops below 95°F, which can impair bodily functions and lead to confusion, shivering, and even organ failure in severe cases.

Joint Pain or Stiffness

Some individuals experience joint discomfort or stiffness after cryotherapy sessions, particularly if the treatment was applied to areas with existing joint pain or inflammation. While cryotherapy can reduce inflammation and pain, it may initially cause tightness or discomfort as muscles and tissues react to the cold.

Headaches and Dizziness

A headache or dizziness may occur during or after a whole-body cryotherapy session, particularly for those with a history of migraines or sensitivity to temperature changes.

The cold exposure causes a reduction in blood flow, which can affect the head and lead to a headache. Additionally, transitioning rapidly from cold to warm environments can cause dizziness.

Potential Long-Term Side Effects

Skin Damage

Prolonged or excessive exposure to cold can damage skin and underlying tissues. This is more common with improper or excessive local cryotherapy treatments.

Repeated exposure to extreme cold can cause the skin to become dry, cracked, or discoloured. In severe cases, it could lead to skin burns or permanent damage.

Nerve Damage

There is a risk of nerve damage with cryotherapy if the cold is applied too long or intensely. Prolonged exposure can overstimulate or damage nerve endings, leading to persistent numbness or tingling. This can occur in both local and whole-body treatments if precautions aren’t followed.

Compromised Immune Function

Although cryotherapy may boost immune response short-term, frequent exposure could overstimulate the immune system, particularly in people with autoimmune conditions or weakened immunity.

When to Avoid Cryotherapy

• Cold Allergies: Some people have allergic reactions to cold temperatures, including hives and swelling, which can be worsened by cryotherapy.
• Raynaud’s Disease: This condition causes decreased blood flow in response to cold, often in fingers and toes, and cryotherapy can worsen symptoms.
• Poor Circulation or Cardiovascular Issues: Those with heart disease, high blood pressure, or circulatory disorders should avoid cryotherapy due to increased cardiovascular stress.
• Pregnancy: There’s limited research on cryotherapy during pregnancy, so it's recommended to avoid it as a precaution.
• Open Wounds or Healing Injuries: Cryotherapy can interfere with healing and increase infection risk.

Experience the Benefits of Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy can be a game-changer, but it's not without its risks. So, whether you're stepping into a cryochamber or reaching for an ice pack, make sure it's done safely and under the right guidance. Listen to your body, work with professionals, and you're more likely to enjoy the benefits without the setbacks.

If you're ready to experience the benefits of cryotherapy, invest in a top-of-the-line cryotherapy chamber like Optimal Health’s Electric Whole-Body Cryotherapy Chamber.

This chamber is designed to deliver results. Have questions or need some guidance? We’re here to help – don’t hesitate to reach out and contact us for more information!