If a person selects treatments that provide cryotherapy, the services can reduce soreness, augment the production of new cells, increase the amount of endorphins that the nervous system consistently generates, raise the level of collagen in various body parts and decrease the sensitivity of certain nerves. In contrast, an ice bath may only temporarily lessen discomfort that has been caused by injuries, yet unlike cryotherapy, the bath could precipitate hypothermia, augment tension in the muscles and lessen a person’s energy.
The Benefits of Liquid Nitrogen and Cryotherapy
- When a clinic offers services that involve cryotherapy, a patient will be surrounded by liquid nitrogen that typically features a temperature of minus 185 degrees Fahrenheit. Despite the low temperature, the individual will not have to recover after the treatments.
- In contrast, the water of the ice baths will generally have a temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit; however, a person must slowly recover from each ice bath because the cold water may temporarily modify the functionality of the nervous system.
Once an athlete chooses cryotherapy, each treatment will have a duration of approximately three minutes. If an individual selects therapies that require an ice bath, the person will generally remain in the cold water for 15 minutes to 20 minutes.
Improving Circulation
You know that ice baths do not augment blood flow, cryotherapy is able to stimulate circulation throughout the body, and consequently, the treatments can increase energy, eliminate some effects of injuries and improve cognitive abilities.
Furthermore, the enhanced blood flow will significantly raise the levels of proteins that positively influence the cells and the immune system.
Cryotherapy’s Effects on Collagen
Various studies have shown that cryotherapy can tremendously increase the production of collagen. This protein may reduce some effects of injuries and eliminate pain that originates in the joints. Collagen is also found in the skeletal muscles, so by augmenting the level of the compound, cryotherapy can improve athletic performance and increase a person’s overall strength.
Reducing Inflammation by Choosing Treatments That Feature Cryotherapy
Multiple reports determined that the liquid nitrogen lessens inflammation and inhibits the absorption of toxins that could cause inflammatory responses. The treatments will also decrease the overall sensitivity of the nerves and reduce the number of neurological signals that are associated with pain.
Although ice baths can mitigate inflammation, the especially cold water will not influence the nerves. Moreover, an ice bath’s positive effects have a much shorter duration than the beneficial results of cryotherapy.
Treatments That Improve Well-Being
According to numerous reports, cryotherapy is able to induce the release of extra endorphins, which are compounds that can enhance motivation, eliminate chronic anxiety and decrease pain.
Surprisingly, some analyses indicated that the treatments substantially increase the production of norepinephrine, and this neurotransmitter may boost a person’s energy, enhance critical thinking and improve an individual’s long-term memory.
