B Y M A E M A Ñ AC A P - J O H N S O N
immediate effect of skin cooling and analgesia lasts for five
minutes, but the release of endorphins can have a lasting effect,
where studies demonstrate that the signs of inflammation in
blood tests may remain suppressed for two to three weeks.
Furthermore, if the treatment is combined with physiotherapy, the
intensity of the therapy can be amplified due to the pain reduction
of cryotherapy, which can improve long-term outcomes as well.
There are many potential benefits but the most commonly
documented by research and patient testimonials include antiinflammation, improved mood, deep relaxation, euphoria, muscle
and joint pain relief, and improved healing of several
inflammatory mediated skin conditions, such as psoriasis.
P: Are there pieces of evidence that support
cryotherapy’s health benefits?
MDF: Most of the research on cryotherapy has been done in
Japan and Europe and have focused on the benefits for patients
with rheumatic arthritis. Multiple studies have demonstrated that
the short-term pain reduction offered by Whole Body
Cryotherapy facilitates intensive application of physiotherapy and
SAFETY IN CRYOTHERAPY
To ensure that guests are safe during a Whole Body
Cryotherapy treatment, Dr. Munsch Dal Farra offers the
following precautionary measures:
1. It is important to protect the extremities and fragile areas of
the skin. Ensure that guests are wearing dry socks, gloves,
underwear, and a sports bra for women.
2. For those using a cabin chamber with whole body
immersion including the head, wear a headband and face
mask to cover the mouth, nose, eyes and ears.
3. Do not exceed the recommended time even if guests
request to go for longer.
4. Have a spa therapist or technician check the guest’s blood
pressure prior to cryotherapy to ensure that the blood
pressure is not high.
The client should always be with an attendant and never left
alone in the chamber at any time during the session, or during
entry or exit of the unit. It is very important that the therapist or
technician is extremely attentive to the client. The technician
should remain very focused as he or she is responsible to stop
the session early if the client is uncomfortable or wishes to end
the session for any reason.
occupational therapy in patients with inflammatory rheumatic