What is Cryotherapy? What does it do?
Cryotherapy technology involves applying extremely cold temperatures to the body for therapeutic purposes. It is used to treat various medical conditions, reduce pain and inflammation, and improve overall health and wellness (Hohenauer et al., 2015). Cryotherapy can be administered locally (localised cryotherapy) or to the whole body (whole-body cryotherapy). Cryotherapy exposes the body or specific parts of the body to very low temperatures, typically ranging from -100°C to -140°C (-148°F to -220°F) for whole-body cryotherapy, or using cold packs, ice baths, or cryotherapy devices (more on this later) for localised treatments. Localised cryotherapy targets specific areas of the body using various methods such as ice packs, ice baths, cryotherapy machines, or handheld devices that deliver cold air, cold water or chilled gas to the targeted area (Bleakley et al., 2012).
How does it do it?
Upon exposure to cold, blood vessels constrict (vasoconstriction), reducing blood flow to the area and decreasing inflammation and swelling. After the cold exposure ends, blood vessels dilate (vasodilation), leading to an increased flow of oxygen-rich blood to the affected area, which aids in the healing process (Lee et al., 2005). The cold temperatures help numb nerve endings, providing immediate pain relief. By reducing inflammation, cryotherapy helps alleviate pain associated with conditions such as arthritis, tendonitis, and muscle soreness.
The extreme cold can stimulate the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers and mood enhancers. This can lead to improved mood, reduced anxiety, and a general sense of well-being. Cryotherapy can increase metabolic rate as the body works to rewarm itself after exposure to the cold (Wilcock et al., 2006).
What are the benefits?
Pain Relief and Muscle Recovery:
Cryotherapy is commonly used by athletes and individuals with chronic pain conditions to reduce muscle soreness, joint pain, and inflammation. It accelerates recovery from intense physical activities and injuries.
Reduced Inflammation:
By decreasing blood flow and reducing the activity of inflammatory mediators, cryotherapy helps minimise inflammation in affected tissues. This is particularly beneficial for conditions like arthritis and tendonitis.
Improved Circulation:
The vasodilation that occurs after the cold exposure increases blood flow, delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues and promoting healing. Improved circulation can also enhance skin health.
Enhanced Mood and Mental Health:
The release of endorphins during cryotherapy can lead to mood enhancement and reduced symptoms of anxiety and low mood.
IceBein
The Icebein is a revolutionary all-in-one cryo-recovery system designed to elevate athletic performance by significantly reducing recovery time. This sophisticated system is comprised of two main components: a cooling unit and the Icebein Legs I. Together, they create an efficient and customisable cryotherapy experience that targets muscle recovery and overall performance enhancement.
Cooling
The cooling unit is the heart of the Icebein system, responsible for generating and maintaining the cold temperatures necessary for effective cryotherapy. It features a user-friendly display that allows athletes to set their desired water temperature, providing a high degree of customisation to suit individual recovery needs. The unit which houses the water (no hose needed) is capable of chilling water from room temperature down to a frigid 5°C in just 10 minutes, ensuring rapid preparation for recovery sessions. Once the cooling unit is activated, the cooled water circulates continuously through the system, maintaining a consistent temperature for the duration of the therapy.
Icebein Legs I
The Icebein Legs I component consists of two parts: the Softshell Pants and the Icebein Cooling Pads II. These are meticulously designed to deliver targeted cryotherapy to the legs and buttocks, promoting faster muscle recovery and reducing soreness.
The Softshell Pants are crafted from high-quality softshell material, known for its durability and flexibility. The interior of the trousers is lined with fleece, providing a comfortable and soft touch against the skin. This combination of materials ensures that the trousers are not only effective in delivering cryotherapy but also comfortable to wear for extended periods. The trousers are designed with Velcro fasteners on the sides, allowing them to be easily adjusted to fit any leg shape. This adjustability ensures that the cooling effect is evenly distributed across the entire leg and buttock muscles.
The Icebein Cooling Pads II are an integral part of the system, made from guaranteed skin-friendly polyurethane plastic. These pads are specifically designed to be both effective and safe for direct contact with the skin. The smooth fit and substantial thickness of the material guarantee a consistent and even cooling effect, crucial for optimal muscle recovery. The pads work in tandem with the cooling unit to deliver a sustained cold temperature, aiding in reducing inflammation and muscle soreness.
How does Icebein impact my training and recovery?
The Icebein system's ability to deliver rapid and effective cryotherapy offers numerous benefits for athletes and individuals seeking enhanced (Wildmoser et al., 2023). By shortening the recovery time, users can train more frequently and at higher intensities, leading to improved overall performance. The targeted cooling helps in reducing inflammation, alleviating pain from muscle soreness, and preventing potential injuries caused by overtraining. The release of endorphins stimulated by the cold therapy also contributes to a better mood and reduced anxiety, which are essential for maintaining a positive mindset during training and competition.
The Verdict?
Overall, the Icebein Cryo-recovery system represents a significant advancement in sports recovery technology. Its innovative design, combined with customisable and efficient cooling capabilities, makes it an invaluable tool for athletes aiming to reach new heights in their performance.
References:
- Bleakley, C., McDonough, S., Gardner, E., Baxter, G. D., Hopkins, J. T. and Davison, G. W. (2012) Cold-water immersion (cryotherapy) for preventing and treating muscle soreness after exercise. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 15 (2).
- Hohenauer, E., Taeymans, J., Baeyens, J. P., Clarys, P. and Clijsen, R. (2015) The Effect of Post-Exercise Cryotherapy on Recovery Characteristics: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. PLoS ONE, 10 (9).
- Lee, H., Natsui, H., Akimoto, T., Yanagi, K., Ohshima, N. (2005) Effects of Cryotherapy after Contusion Using Real-Time Intravital Microscopy. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 37: pg. 1093–1098.
- Wilcock, I. M., Cronin, J. B. and Hing, W. A. (2006) Physiological response to water immersion: A method of recovery? Sports Medicine, 36 (9), pp. 747-765.
Enjoyed this article? The continuation of our Recovery series can be found here.
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Written by Joe Jackson, June 2024