For decades, the acronym PRICE has been used in first aid to represent first-line treatment for soft tissue injuries. Standing for “protect, rest, ice, compression and elevation,” the treatment protocol is a quick and effective intervention to reduce pain and inflammation, and start the healing process after an acute injury.
Ice in particular is the magic ingredient in the PRICE formula because it effectively numbs painful nerve endings and causes blood vessels to constrict, shunting fluids and cellular waste from the site of injury. However, despite its effectiveness, icing an injury has a few drawbacks, namely risk of frostbite, melting and extreme discomfort for the patient.
Cryotherapy for Soft Tissue Injuries
After decades of using the same approach to soft tissue injuries, technology has finally ushered in a new type of cold therapy that outperforms its low-tech predecessor. Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen vapor to freeze the superficial layers of tissue at the site of an injury, creating a faster, colder and more comfortable treatment option.
Using a wand-like device, the cryotherapy clinician directs ice-cold liquid nitrogen vapor to the injured area for several minutes, numbing pain, reducing swelling and slowing cellular metabolism. Cryotherapy slows the rate of cellular death, enabling healthy cells to survive the injury and reducing total healing time.
As blood vessels constrict in response to cold, lymph fluid, cellular debris, and other unwanted fluids are shunted from the injury site, and sent into the visceral circulation where they are eliminated through the lymphatic system and kidneys. At the end of your cryotherapy session, as the injured site begins to warm, blood vessels dilate to return oxygenated, nutrient-rich blood to the damaged tissues to promote healing.
In addition to its healing properties, other benefits of cryotherapy include:
- Decreased muscle aches and pains
- Accelerated post-workout recovery
- Reduced depression and anxiety
- Enhanced weight loss
- Improved skin tone
- Increased collagen production
- Improved sleep quality
- Reduced inflammation
- Enhanced cognitive function
Regular cryotherapy session during post-surgery or injury rehabilitation can speed up recovery and reduce joint and muscle soreness after physical therapy.
Cryotherapy in NYC
To enjoy the benefits of localized or whole body cryotherapy in New York, visit Advanced Cryo NYC, conveniently located in fashionable SoHo. Our growing menu hosts a range of treatments and therapies for anyone who wants to improve health, beauty and wellness. Contact Advanced Cryo NYC today, and speed up recovery so you can get back in the game.
