Testing Cold Therapy in the Heat
January 22, 2017CHILL FACTOR UNLEASHED: SPORT CRYO’S REVOLUTION IN ELITE FITNESS AND MUSCLE RECOVERY
December 27, 2023Contributor Content
USA Today
Published 12:19 p.m. ET Sept. 27, 2023
At the intersection of sports, health, and wellness, Sport Cryo, a pioneering cryotherapy clinic, is propelling the narrative of transformative healing into the future. Whole Body Cryotherapy (WBC), a method conceived in the '70s for managing rheumatoid arthritis, has taken center stage in Sport Cryo's holistic approach to health and wellness.
Kimberly Klein founder Sport Cryo - No Credit
Whole Body Cryotherapy (WBC) is a non-invasive therapeutic technique aimed at promoting recovery. In essence, it involves stepping into a chamber for a quick, yet stimulating three-minute session. During this time, temperatures drop to below -250 degrees F, prompting your body to kick-start an enhanced healing process. This includes detoxification, reduction of inflammation, and expedited recovery. The treatment, besides offering immediate benefits, typically leaves clients with an instantaneous burst of euphoria, a renewed vitality, and an elevated sense of overall wellness. Despite its brief duration, this pain-free modality significantly alleviates discomfort, boosts anti-inflammatory responses, improves range of motion, and contributes to speeding up and enhancing total health and wellness.
In the fascinating world of cryotherapy, a cascade of intricate reactions takes place within the human body, yielding a plethora of remarkable benefits. When subjected to extreme cold, the body triggers a hypothermic response, wisely safeguarding its core and vital organs by diverting around 80% of its blood and fluids from the extremities. This internal journey leads to a filtering, oxygenating, and detoxifying process as the blood circulates through the core, releasing soothing anti-inflammatory agents that work wonders on aches and pains. Cryotherapy also boosts recovery times by reducing lactic acid levels. While immunity compounds surge, the lymphatic system is cleansed, fortifying the immune system overall. An adaptive response is induced through regular sessions, resulting in improved sleep, heightened flexibility, and stronger immunity. By stimulating the production of endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine, cryotherapy becomes a holistic solution that nurtures both physical and mental well-being. Health and rejuvenation are best achieved through cryotherapy.
In our discussion, Kimberly Klein, Sport Cryo's pioneering founder, shares her firm belief in the potential of Whole Body Cryotherapy (WBC). She states, "WBC is a non-invasive treatment," indicating its essential respect for the body's organic mechanisms. She emphasizes that cryotherapy is a facilitator, enhancing the body's inherent rejuvenating abilities.
"Whole Body Cryotherapy," Klein continues, "trusts in the body's natural capabilities." This perspective reaches beyond the chill, highlighting the core power of cryotherapy as a health and wellness game-changer: the stimulation of the body's self-healing mechanisms.
As an ardent promoter of WBC, Klein discusses her wide-ranging clientele, from physically fit individuals to those seeking significant life transformations. She narrates a moving story of a client with chronic arthritis who discovered a new lease of life through cryotherapy.
Klein’s clients' experiences suggest a larger shift in healthcare. Moving away from invasive procedures and drug dependency, she explains, "Sport Cryo has enabled hundreds to avoid surgeries and reduce reliance on potent narcotics." Klein portrays cryotherapy not merely as an alternative, but as a central player in health and wellness, emphasizing the body's inherent self-healing, signifying a considerable evolution in sustainable health recovery methods.
Sport Cryo, Cryo Sauna- No Credit
It would be easy to assume cryotherapy is a luxury reserved for the elite. But Sport Cryo has democratized access to this innovative therapy. From the physically active youth to adults managing chronic pain or seeking an energy boost, the benefits of cryotherapy are within reach, regardless of fitness levels or budget constraints.
At Sport Cryo, the importance of safety and individual customization is paramount. Each client is introduced to cryotherapy through a detailed consultation, discussing their pain levels, activity, and body type. Safety protocols, such as wearing protective gear including thick socks, gloves, and clogs, are a standard part of the procedure, ensuring the fingers and toes, where blood can be pulled from, are well protected. Women are treated nude while men are required to wear boxers. No external metal objects like watches or necklaces can be worn during the procedure, although internal metal implants are not a concern. The temperature setting and client's positioning in the Cryo Sauna are determined by a multitude of factors, such as size, injuries, chronic or acute pain, postoperative status, activity levels, and pain tolerances. The focus is not just on safety but also on tailoring each cryotherapy session to the client's needs, emphasizing that cryotherapy isn't a one-size-fits-all solution.
Cryotherapy, celebrated for its health and wellness advantages, is gaining a reputation in the realm of skin rejuvenation and aging management. This innovative treatment is grounded in the science of stimulating collagen production at the cellular level, crucial as collagen production naturally decelerates with age, resulting in visible signs of aging like wrinkles and enlarged pores. The WBC process propels the body into a protective hypothermic state, and the ensuing positive outcomes are the body's protective response to this cold exposure, a principle that also applies to the skin's dermal layers - the higher our skin's collagen and elasticity, the better our resistance to the cold.
Moreover, the role of oxygen-rich blood in the healing and rejuvenation process is critical. Cryotherapy utilizes vasoconstriction to draw blood away from the skin's surface, but following the treatment, vasodilation rechannels this oxygenated blood back into peripheral tissues and the dermal layers, sparking collagen production. Expanding the cryotherapy sphere beyond full-body chambers, localized or spot cryotherapy, and cryo facials offer targeted benefits for specific discomfort areas or skin revitalization. The adaptability, affordability, and proven effectiveness of cryotherapy have dispelled misconceptions, securing its position in contemporary wellness therapies, and making significant strides in promoting skin health and slowing the aging process.
Critics may question the effectiveness of home-based cryotherapy options, such as ice baths. According to Sport Cryo, while these methods can provide temporary relief, they fall short of the instant and lasting results of professional WBC. The cold immersion of an ice bath cannot compete with the hypothermic response elicited by WBC, which allows for a more significant reduction in inflammation and an immediate boost in the body's metabolic function.
Nonetheless, cryotherapy isn't without its limitations. Sport Cryo advises against the therapy for pregnant women, individuals with uncontrolled epileptic seizures, and those with recent pacemakers.
For Sport Cryo, success isn't measured merely by the number of clients they serve but the transformative healing they facilitate. From arthritis patients rediscovering their mobility to athletes circumventing surgeries and reducing their reliance on painkillers, the therapy's impact is multifaceted and profound. Over the years, they have witnessed the uplifting effects of cryotherapy on mental and emotional health, treating clients with conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD. WBC's scientifically proven ability to lower cortisol levels, stimulate endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine, and regulate sleep patterns contributes to improved mental well-being and resilience.
Client using Whole Body Cryotherapy-No Credit
Beyond the physical and emotional benefits, Sport Cryo leverages cryotherapy's metabolism-boosting properties. WBC has been proven to enhance metabolic functionality by approximately 350% and stimulate an average caloric burn of 500-800 calories per session, post-treatment. This effect, coupled with a healthy diet and regular hydration, can aid weight loss and restore a healthy metabolic state disrupted by inconsistent dieting practices. The therapy's ability to decrease cortisol and increase "happy hormones" also provides a natural, enduring energy lift, solidifying its holistic approach to wellness.
With a relentless focus on continuous improvement, Sport Cryo is ready to integrate the burgeoning volume of scientific data and medical advancements into their practice. They envision fine-tuning cryotherapy functionalities over the next decade to yield even more sustainable results. Their pursuit of excellence extends beyond the technology to staff training, ensuring they are armed with the latest knowledge and techniques in the field.
Sport Cryo's advice to prospective clients is straightforward: do your research. Choose a clinic that is certified, armed with cutting-edge technology, and committed to delivering personalized care tailored to your unique needs. As the wellness industry evolves, Sport Cryo continues to pioneer, carving out a path in the realm of cryotherapy. Their journey is not just about harnessing the body's healing power, but democratizing access to transformative wellness, one exhilarating chill at a time.