Local Cryotherapy

What is Local Cryotherapy?

Local Cryotherapy is used to reduce pain, inflammation, and swelling in targeted areas. Unlike Whole Body Cryotherapy, which stimulates cold receptors all over the body in order to trigger an internal systemic anti-inflammatory response, local cryotherapy allows us to treat a specific location and is much more powerful and efficient than traditional ice baths.  A local cryotherapy treatment generally takes about 5-10 minutes depending on the area treated.  A treatment provides the patient with a rush of oxygenated blood, a natural analgesic effect and a reduction in muscle tension in the treatment area. Post treatment, the microcirculation in the treatment area provide muscles with increased rates of healing and recovery, and the natural analgesic effect and relaxation of muscles allows the patient to increase their exercise tolerance, as well as strengthen the muscles and joints to reduce the possibility of injury in the future.

Local Cryotherapy Benefits

  • Inhibition of inflammation
  • Reduction in the regeneration phase
  • Immunomodulation
  • Reduction of pain
  • Reduction of spasm
  • Improved joint mobility
  • Decrease in muscle tension
  • Overall quicker return to training/competition
  • Decreased fatigue
  • Improves circulation
  • Decrease swelling
  • Decrease of chronic pain syndrome
  • Reduction of post traumatic treatments

Local cryotherapy may be more beneficial if you are facing a particular kind of injury or troubled area. This is common in athletes who have sustained an injury, or anyone who has sustained sprain or muscle pull, or is recovering from surgery or for those who have chronic inflammatory conditions.

Local Cryotherapy is commonly applied to:

  • Ankles
  • Elbows
  • Neck
  • Shoulders
  • Knees
  • Low Back
  • Tendonitis
  • Face and Scalp

How Does Local Cryotherapy Work?

Unlike whole body cryotherapy, which uses a cryotherapy sauna, local cryotherapy uses a smaller machine that includes a hand held piece allowing us to apply extremely cold air (-230 F) to the troubled area. The treatment only takes minutes to complete and leaves you with benefits that far exceed what traditional icing can provide. Local cryotherapy is relaxing and allows us to treat even more individuals that are unable to do whole body cryotherapy.  Whether you are looking to improve physical performance, reduce wrinkles or scarring, or relieve pain and inflammation, local cryotherapy is available to provide you with results!

Who Benefits From This Procedure?

Patients who suffer from chronic pain due to arthritis or inflammatory conditions, want to recover from an injury or surgery, or want to be out of pain as soon as possible may benefit from local cryotherapy.   Many athletes use it for prevention as well as to treat injuries. However, many people also use whole body cryotherapy (WBC) in conjunction to optimize healing.  At Xtreme Cryo, we offer both treatment options.