Whole-body cryotherapy has existed for hundreds of years. However, it’s only in recent years this wellness service has gained popularity, especially among the athletic population.
Here, we’ll discuss why athletes love cryotherapy so much based on the benefits it can provide. You, too, will want to hop on the bandwagon after reading this article!
Reduces Inflammation and Soreness
One of the best benefits athletes can gain from cryotherapy sessions is a reduction of sore, inflamed muscles. Not only can pain and swelling after a workout be improved immediately after a cryotherapy session, but it can also speed up the time it takes for inflammation and soreness to completely go away.
The cold temperatures of cryotherapy achieve these two benefits by constricting the blood vessels, decreasing nerve sensitivity, promoting the relaxation of tense muscles, and reducing the release of inflammatory markers in the body.
Boosts Blood Circulation
Improving blood circulation after a rough workout or exercise-induced injury is critical. Proper blood flow encourages the removal of waste products from the blood, prevents the pooling of blood, and improves immunity. Proper blood circulation is also important for temperature regulation, hormone balance, and body system function.
Fortunately, whole-body cryotherapy has the potential to improve blood circulation through vasoconstriction. When the blood vessels are constricted during a cryotherapy session, rebound vasodilation occurs afterward. The rapid re-opening of the blood vessels after cryotherapy essentially acts as a reset, improving circulation immediately.
Benefits of Mood and Mental Health
The benefits of whole-body cryotherapy aren’t just limited to physical, but also mental and emotional. Exposure to cold temperatures during a cryotherapy session has the ability to release endorphins, stimulate the vagus nerve, which reduces cortisol buildup, and reduce inflammation linked to depression.
How does this help athletes, you might ask? An improvement in mood and general mental health means better immune system function, quicker healing, and fewer tense muscles, which all promote a faster post-workout recovery.
Improves Sleep
Sleep can also be benefited by engaging in regular cryotherapy sessions. This is thanks to cryotherapy’s ability to trigger the parasympathetic nervous system to reduce stress and cortisol, reduce pain and muscle tension, and trigger the brain to naturally reset its circadian rhythm.
Proper sleep is critical, especially for athletes, as it helps heal and restore the body. Better sleep among the athletic population means injuries heal faster, muscles can repair and grow, and improved reaction time. As a result, athletes will be better prepared for their next workout session and better retain the results of their workouts.
Speeds Up Recovery Time
Between reduced swelling and pain, improved blood circulation, refined mental health and mood, and better sleep, it’s clear to see how the benefits of whole-body cryotherapy in general can speed up recovery after working out.
All these benefits combined mean fewer workout-related injuries, less downtime between workout sessions, and overall a healthier and happier you.
Are you an athlete interested in trying cryotherapy for the first time? Recovery Lab of La Verne offers both whole-body and localized cryotherapy services. Call us today to book an appointment.
