Whole Body Cryotherapy (WBC) is a growing treatment trend for athletes looking to recover from injury as well as non-athletes seeking a cure for any number of mental or physical conditions, but there are many questions about the effectiveness and safety of this relatively new form of therapy.
Cyrotherapy involves the “super cooling” of the body for therapeutic purposes. The practice has been used for quite some time, and can include using products such as ice packs in localized parts of the body. Whole body cyrotherapy however involves exposing the entire body to vapors that reach temperatures ranging from -200 to -300 degrees Fahrenheit. Those who receive WBC are placed in a confined chamber, some with the head enclosed, others without, for two to three minutes while the body is exposed to frigid temperatures generated by liquid nitrogen.
Those who sell or operate WBC machines claim that this treatment offers many benefits including improved blood circulation, increased metabolism, , quicker recovery and relief from joint pain. Proponents also boast WBC therapy can help slow down or reverse the effects of many conditions, such as:
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Asthma
• Depression
• Fibromyalgia
• Insomnia
• Migraines
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
The problem unfortunately, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is there is no proof that WBC effectively treats any of these conditions and none of them have been cleared or approved by the FDA in support of these claims. While the healing benefits of WBC remain unconfirmed, the potential risks are substantiated. The use of nitrogen vapors in an enclosed area lowers the amount of oxygen in that area, which can result in oxygen deficiency and loss of consciousness. Other risks include frostbite, burns, and eye injuries.
With so much attention given to WBC, medical experts are concerned that many will opt for this treatment over traditional treatment options, which may result in a lack of improvement or worsening of medical conditions. If you are considering WBC, speak with your doctor first.
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