What are the benefits of cryotherapy for athletes?

Cryotherapy is the practice of using cold to aid in muscle recovery. It is very popular among sports fans and has multiple benefits for the body.

What is cryotherapy?

This method is widely used by sports people after difficult training sessions. It allows to repair, relieve and relax the muscles. It also treats tendonitis and muscle strains.

As such, it is beneficial for all types of sportsmen and women: weight training, fitness, cycling, running and other sportsmen and women. Long prescribed for athletes, it is now recommended for non-sports enthusiasts or as a complement to physiotherapy, as we'll see in more detail below.

This practice is therefore a local cold treatment, meaning that the treatment targets specific areas of the body, most often the muscles, which can be treated with cold, which most often means an ice bath. The temperature can go down to -164 degrees and should not exceed 3 minutes of treatment.

Invented in 1978 by the Japanese, cryotherapy will be used for the first time on a professional cyclist in 2011 to promote recovery after exercise.

But, there are many other methods of cryotherapy that can be found in cryotherapy centers that are equipped with high-performance equipment with temperature control. The one that we can know for example at the dermatologist, it is the one which removes the warts by burning with the help of dry ice on a cotton stem.

These centers propose general cryotherapy sessions, the whole body cryotherapy. But they can also offer localized cryotherapy for tendonitis, or for the face. The cold temperatures protect the tissues by an anti-inflammatory reaction. Indeed, the freshness causes a thermal shock which makes react the skin, which then protects the concerned zone. It also releases endorphinsthe hormones of well-being. The blood vessels shrink and then enlarge, this is the vasodilation.

If you can't do cryotherapy, you can opt for an ice shower or ice bath which can also have benefits on your body.

Who can use cryotherapy?

Cryotherapy can be practiced by anyone, as long as it is controlled and has a specific purpose. In addition to being useful for sports people, for muscle recovery and the whole body, this method can be very beneficial for people suffering from rheumatism, polyarthritis, arthritis or tendonitis who do not necessarily practice physical activities.

For all these pains, this therapy is a relief. It also helps to counter sleep disorders, bruises, fibromyalgia and many other traumas that the body can encounter, with or without sport, for top athletes or the average person.

The benefits of cryotherapy for athletes

This method is becoming increasingly popular for several reasons. First of all, the treatment of pain. Indeed, as said before, the therapy has beneficial effects on healing and blood problems and joint pain.

The use of freshness to treat these pains of articular type or others is allowed by devices which give a liquid nitrogen temperature and extreme temperatures and thus make it possible to relieve aches and painsMuscular strengthening with the great cold.

This cold temperature therapy treats skin diseases like psoriasis and eczema.

For sports fans and muscle builders, this therapy is full of positive effects. After sport, the tissues are damaged and it is necessary to repair them in order to take care of the muscles. A top athlete benefits from special tissue care and cryotherapy after training, as well as a good night's sleep.

This treatment by the cold, cryogenic, makes it possible to better manage the consequences of the physical exercise. If you practice bodybuilding intensively, cryogenic therapy should be considered to help you recover from your physical efforts. It is very useful for the physical preparation if you make of the competition. This will have an effect on your body and your sports performance and recovery.

In many cases, the training of athletes is additionally supported by dermatological experts and physiotherapy sessions. In addition to this, athletes warm up and stretch to avoid various aches and pains during their training. However, cool-down therapy remains a solution and is one of the most effective ways to care for muscle fibres.

What precautions should I take before using cryotherapy?

Before undergoing cryotherapy, it's a good idea to learn about the different methods of this therapy, and to read articles on the subject to find out what benefits it has, but also what its limitations and potential risks are.

Seeking the advice of a sports physician can help. You need to be sure that it will be of benefit to you and that your body needs it. Certain contraindications apply to people with heart problems, or those with bone-related illnesses.

People whose bones have recently been weakened by spondylodiscitis, for example, cannot do so without medical advice. Rest assured, if the company is serious, you will be given a questionnaire to read about all the precautions to be taken beforehand. And don't forget to wear the gloves and socks designed for use in the machine.

You should also be careful not to do the session if you are ill, if you already have a cold for example because your body is already tired. Finally, some people may find the cold temperatures extremely painful but the sessions are well supervised and designed to go smoothly. Above all, it should not last more than 3 minutes and you can stop the session at any time if you are afraid or otherwise.

Lastly, it is advised the day of your session of cryotherapy, not to have trained before because sweat and perspiration are not recommended for that. On the other hand, to train a few hours after will not pose any concern.

How much does a cryotherapy session cost?

Cryotherapy sessions vary in price, depending on their duration and the treatments offered. They often cost around €50, an unreasonable price considering the benefits of this therapy and the continuity of care.

In fact, several sessions are recommended to reap the benefits. Regular sessions are possible by taking out a package with several sessions in advance to get a better price.

How many sessions should I do?

To have visible and fast effects, it is advised to make regular sessions of cryotherapy in order to accustom the body to this new practice which can surprise the first times. The ideal is to carry out a session per week but this figure can increase if you are a high level sportsman with very tiring trainings.

The staff is very responsive during these sessions. They start with a low temperature and then move to an even more negative temperature. This allows you to go in gradually.

The dangers of cryotherapy

Cryo is not dangerous but precautions must be taken. The only danger is burning if the application of cold temperatures on the skin is badly managed. The ideal is to speak to your doctor before attempting the procedure to be aware of possible contraindications.

Conclusion

In conclusion, you should try cryo, and if you enjoy the experience and it proves effective, it is very good for your body to return regularly. Whether or not you exercise, for some people cryotherapy will be beneficial. After reading this article, you have all the information you need to get started! So give it a try, and come back to tell us what you think of the experience!

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