What is immersion cryotherapy?
What is immersion cryotherapy, and what are the benefits?
Immersion cryotherapy, also called cold water immersion, is a treatment method used in the medical-sports environment which aims to promote physical recovery. Prized for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oedematous properties, it reduces inflammation as well as microtrauma caused during major efforts.
Immersion cryotherapy consists of immersing yourself in water ideally between 10°C and 12°C for a period of 10 to 15 minutes. The water will exert hydrostatic pressure on the submerged limbs. Cold water coupled with this pressure will play an important role against inflammation, pain, edema, and muscle fatigue... Thus, immersion in cold water will reduce the risk of injury and accelerate physical recovery. In addition, liquid cryotherapy is indicated post-traumatic and post-operative in order to accelerate healing and recovery of the body.
There are different protocols depending on the desired effects. Its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties make cold water a 100% natural solution which represents a major element of performance and physical recovery in athletes.
The cold water immersion process and its benefits
Vasoconstriction is a physiological mechanism corresponding to the decrease in the diameters of blood vessels. This phenomenon reduces blood flow to the extremities (lower and upper limbs). As a result, the body will maintain its internal temperature constant by promoting the irrigation of the central territory of the body.
Thus, immersion in cold water will reduce:
- Muscle, joint, tendon, and ligament inflammation and contusions
- Edemas
- muscle fatigue
- acute and chronic pain
When? After an effort, following training, a match, an injury, or even an operation.
Immersion in cold water has scientifically proven beneficial effects on certain pathologies: veno-lymphatic, rheumatological, osteoarthritic…
The cold water immersion protocol (cryotherapy) can be applied with one Cryotank-Sport set.
The alternating hot/cold immersion process for a tenfold effect
Immersion by alternating hot/cold brings additional options to physical recovery: the double effect of vasoconstriction and vasodilation creates an important blood flow, which leads to natural drainage. Once cold water immersion is complete, vasoconstriction gives way to vasodilation, which is the widening of blood vessels. The transition from one state to another promotes blood circulation and therefore physical recovery.
Alternate immersion helps fight against:
- the heavy legs effect
- muscle engorgement
When? Following training or a match/competition without trauma.
The alternate hot/cold immersion protocol can be applied with two Cryotank-Sport sets.
The hot water immersion process and its benefits
Immersion in hot water makes it possible to:
- relax the musculotendinous chain
- release tension
When? For a moment of relaxation.
The hot top immersion protocol can be applied with one Cryotank-Sport set