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Historically, cold therapy has been associated with ice packs and ice baths. Both cold treatments have been known for centuries as remedies for inflammation and pain. With the invention of the cryotherapy chamber in 1980, it became possible to expose individuals to temperatures below -100°C for a more profound, lasting effect. Despite this, many athletes still use ice baths to recover between competitions. Let’s see what cryotherapy and ice baths have in common and what are their differences.
Basic principles of cold treatment
Cold is well-known for its ability to alleviate pain and reduce swelling and inflammation. Upon exposure to low temperatures, the body boosts regenerative mechanisms and activates the immune system. Painkillers, such as endorphins, are released into the blood, while inflammatory mediator levels drop. In addition, cold numbs skin receptors and slows down the pain signal traveling through the nerves to the brain, which results in a pronounced pain-relief.
How long should exposure to cold last for the best effect?
As for ice baths, research shows they are effective only with a systematic approach when applied repeatedly for 10 minutes at least. In practice, it means people have to spend 10 to 15 minutes in cold water (between 7° and 12°C) with ice.
In contrast, due to much lower temperatures, -110° to -170°C, a whole-body cryotherapy session lasts no more than 3 minutes and feels more comfortable.
Does an ice bath feel different from a cryotherapy session?
In an ice bath, your body feels like it is freezing because water takes heat away 25 times faster than air. Be mindful of the timing, as hypothermia is a risk.
Whole-body cryotherapy “tricks” the body into a fight-or-flight response without the discomfort of staying in ice water because a cryosauna creates a dry cold environment and does not overchill the body.
What is the difference between ice bath and cryotherapy cost?
The price of an ice bath is generally lower than a cryotherapy session. Still, bear in mind all the benefits, which justify the higher price of whole-body cryotherapy:
- comfort – in a cryosauna, a user wears cotton underwear and fur boots; contact with cold air creates no discomfort, unlike ice water.
- short exposure – staying 3 minutes in cold air makes a whole world of difference to staying 10 minutes in ice water.
- efficiency – a cryotherapy course (10-20 sessions) is comparable to 2 to 3 years of ice bathing.
- systemic effect – a cryo chamber session not only promotes faster recovery and immunity boost but also helps improve the quality of life in many chronic conditions linked to inflammation and/or pain, like rheumatism, arthritis, fibromyalgia, spondylitis, and psoriasis.
Sure, ice packs are efficient for domestic injuries like minor burns or bruises. But for health centers, dermatology clinics, beauty salons, spas, wellness or fitness centers, whole-body and local cryotherapy offer a modern and efficient alternative to ice baths and ice packs.
