Does localized cryotherapy work?

While whole body cryotherapy became popular not so long ago, local cryotherapy as a treatment was used for centuries. We all used ice packs to reduce pain or inflammation. Localized cryotherapy has the same benefits as cryotherapy of the whole body, but affects one specific area.

The concept of local cryotherapy is based on the short-term application of extremely low temperatures to a particular area of a patient’s body. This procedure causes muscles to contract, increasing the blood flow to the treated area, soothing inflammation, and speeding up cell regeneration. Localized cryotherapy helps to improve physical performance, gives long-term pain relief, reduces inflammation, provides fast muscle recovery, improves blood circulation and skin tone, reduces wrinkles and fine lines, and minimizes scars.

During a localized cryotherapy session, which lasts only for 8-10 minutes, the target area is affected by cold and dry air. After a session the body begins to warm up, the affected area gets back the recovering flow of oxygenated blood. Any part of the body can be given this procedure externally like the lower back, upper back, neck, shoulder, wrist, elbow, hip, ankle, knee, and heels. Localized cryo sessions are also used to decrease the issue of acne, scars, psoriasis, eczema, etc. 

The effect is immediate and could last up to 7 days.