Cold therapy, or cryotherapy, involves exposing the body to extremely cold temperatures for a period of time.
 
There are two types of cryotherapy: localized cryotherapy and whole-body cryotherapy. It is possible to administer local cryotherapy in several ways, including with ice packs, ice massages, coolant sprays, ice baths, and even with probes inserted into tissue.
 
A whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) treatment involves immersing the body in extremely cold air for several minutes in order to achieve a number of health benefits. Inflammation is reduced and pain is relieved by the cold. It can help relieve migraine symptoms, reduce arthritic pain, can assist with skin conditions, as well as providing many other health benefits.
 
During the procedure, the individual will stand in an enclosed chamber or small enclosure that surrounds their body but allows an opening for their head. In the enclosure, the temperature will drop between negative 200°F and negative 300°F. Two to four minutes will be spent in the ultra-low temperature air.
 
The benefits of cryotherapy can be seen after just one session, but it is most effective when used regularly. Cryotherapy is used by some athletes twice a day. Some people go daily for 10 days and then once a month after that.

The majority of people are familiar with cryotherapy as a performance recovery tool used by athletes. Its natural anti-inflammatory response relieves muscular aches and pains that are caused by irritated nerves. According to a German study, cryotherapy relieved pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis and strenuous exercise. As a result of cryotherapy, lactic acid is flushed from the body, and collagen production is accelerated, which is the main structural protein found in skin and other connective tissues. As well as improving skin elasticity, collagen is the primary protein the body uses to repair muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments.

In reality, there is no such thing as a standard cryotherapy treatment. This is due to the fact that cryotherapy can encompass a wide range of different treatments. The cryotherapy umbrella covers all therapies involving cold treatment since the term literally means “cold therapy.” Even applying an ice pack to an injury is considered cryotherapy.

However, for our purposes, cryotherapy refers to whole-body treatments, localized treatments, or facial treatments. As each form of therapy entails a different treatment with a different procedure, the appropriate time spent for each will vary.

Localized cryotherapy is a targeted form of cryotherapy that takes only five to ten minutes to complete. The cryotherapy facial is a purely cosmetic ten-minute procedure, recommended for those who are looking for an alternative to traditional cosmetic treatments. And alternatively, full-body cryotherapy lasts about two to four minutes.

The treatment is suitable for a wide range of lifestyles and ages. It is certainly beneficial to athletes and those with chronic pain, but it is also highly recommended for those just looking to improve their overall health and appearance. The treatment, however, may not be suitable for some individuals due to certain conditions.
 
It is not necessary to take any special precautions if you are receiving cryotherapy. There is usually no downtime during the procedure, and there may be some redness in the treated area. It is normal for blisters to form during the healing process, but they are not harmful.
 
There may also be some clear drainage, which is normal. After 7-10 days, your skin should be completely healed with a smooth, clean appearance, especially if you take good care of it.
 
Sculpted Medical Spa offers cryotherapy. Call or book an online appointment today to find out if the procedure is right for you. We have convenient locations to serve you in Midwest City OKC, North OKC, and Midtown OKC. . We serve patients from Midtown OKC, North OKC, Flynn OK, Choctaw OK, Lake Aluma OK, Lillard Park OK, and Midwest City OK.