Cryotherapy, the coolest beauty trend (also known as cold therapy), can yield many health benefits. The procedure exposes the body to cold temperatures to help reduce physical pain and also includes cosmetic applications such as fat freezing or reducing the appearance of cellulite.

The idea of willfully submitting yourself to cold temperatures may sound daunting, but it’s a straightforward procedure that only takes a few minutes. Continue reading to learn more about this innovative treatment.

Whole-Body vs. Targeted

There are two common types of cryotherapy: whole-body cryotherapy, which is completed in a chamber, and targeted cryotherapy, which uses tools to target specific areas of your body. Think of whole-body cryotherapy as being plunged in an ice bath and targeted cryotherapy as using an icepack on a specific body part. Local cryotherapy is commonly used to repair muscles and smooth skin. 

No procedure is better than the other because they each serve their unique purpose. Whole-body cryotherapy is commonly used by athletes for immediate muscle relief from strenuous training sessions. Targeted cryotherapy is beneficial for treating inflamed areas, treating wounds, swelling, and rejuvenating the skin.

The Procedure

For whole-body cryotherapy, you will stand in an enclosed chamber or a tiny enclosure that surrounds your body but remains open at the top for your head to be visible. Once inside the chamber, your entire body experiences the full benefits. 

In targeted cryotherapy, the machine will focus on a specific part of your body to relieve any pain you might be suffering from, reduce fine lines, or even target a particular area for weight loss or cellulite.

Pain Relief and Muscle Healing

Cryotherapy is known to help athletes and patients recovering from surgery to treat severe pain and help heal muscles. Local cryotherapy is commonly used to target a problem area. 

Weight Loss

Cryotherapy can be used for cosmetic purposes such as weight loss. The procedure known as cryolipolysis, more commonly known as fat freezing, is an alternative to liposuction because you avoid any stress and recovery time required after the surgery. The primary purpose of cryolipolysis is to spot-treat any areas on the body with high-fat deposits that are hard to reduce with diet or exercise.

Reduced Inflammation

If you have suffered from an injury, cryotherapy can help treat pain, swelling, or inflammation. Cold temperatures numb the body’s soft tissues, which may aid in pain relief. 

The Benefits

The rapid cooling procedure causes your body to go into survival mode. This allows more blood to flow into vital organs, supplying oxygen and nourishment to your body. You can experience other benefits such as less severe migraine symptoms, reduced arthritic discomfort, treatment of mood disorders, repair of muscles, and potentially freezing cancer cells. This treatment can also treat the skin by making it smooth and removing any warts or skin tags. 

Contact The Ahesthetics Studio to Learn More

Unsure whether cryotherapy is for you? Don’t hesitate to connect with us to ask questions about the procedure and how it can help you. As a nurse practitioner-owned studio, your health and well-being are most important to us and we are happy to take the time to address your questions and concerns. 

Don’t wait another day to look and feel your best. Let our team help you achieve your health and wellness goals. If you are interested in learning more or booking a session at our Stafford, VA medspa, reach out to us at (540) 686-1888 or via our online contact form.