Cryotherapy
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Cryotherapy services offered in Lynnwood, WA
You may have heard the buzz about cryotherapy, a unique approach to pain relief that uses extremely cold temperatures. This should not be mistaken for cold chambers but a treatment that applies ice or cold packs to the tender area. This is one of many innovative treatment options available from Darcy Szigety, DC, and the team at Alderwood Back & Neck Pain Clinic in Lynnwood, Washington. When you’re ready to explore cryotherapy in greater detail, call the office to book a visit or schedule online in just moments.
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Cryotherapy Q&A
What is cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy is a technique that seeks to relieve pain by exposing the body to extremely cold temperatures. It works in much the same way as placing ice on a sprain or a cold pack on a swollen joint.
With cryotherapy, the cold temperatures are far more regulated, and the area of exposure is far greater than simple icing can achieve. Cryotherapy uses a specially-designed tank to expose most of your body to the chilled air.
What kinds of issues can cryotherapy help treat?
Cryotherapy is most often used to treat musculoskeletal pain. Part of the reason this treatment is so effective is the almost immediate inflammation reduction that occurs during sessions.
The cold temperature alters your body’s natural inflammatory response. Because a significant source of pain is swelling, treatments that reduce inflammation can also reduce pain.
Patients report a number of additional benefits from cryotherapy treatment, including improvements in:
- Weight loss
- Depression
- Arthritis
- Migraines
- Multiple sclerosis
- Asthma
- Fibromyalgia
- Anxiety
- Chronic pain
What is it like to go through cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy sessions are relatively short. Because the air within the cryotherapy chamber is cooled to a temperature well below freezing, it doesn’t take long to achieve the desired effects, and remaining in these temperatures for longer than the prescribed time can cause damage to your skin and other soft tissues.
Protective coverings for your hands and feet protect fingers and toes. Otherwise, most people choose to undress down to their underwear for their session. You stand throughout the 2-4 minute treatment time, so there is no concern about your skin touching any surface within the chamber.
Your head is never enclosed during treatment. The treatment tank usually comes up to around the shoulders, so there is no concern about feeling claustrophobic during your short time inside.
Once your treatment time is up, you simply emerge from the chamber and get dressed. There is no need for any advance preparation or recovery time after cryotherapy treatment, so you can get back to your day in less than an hour — start to finish.