Q. How painful is cryotherapy?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
Cryotherapy, or cold therapy, can vary in its level of discomfort depending on individual tolerance, the specific type of cryotherapy, and the duration of exposure.
Let's break it down: When you undergo cryotherapy, your body is exposed to extremely cold temperatures for a short period. This could be through whole-body cryotherapy chambers where you're exposed to temperatures around -100°C (-148°F) for a few minutes, or localized cryotherapy where a specific area of your body is targeted with cold air or ice packs.
Initially, when you step into a cryotherapy chamber or receive localized treatment, you may feel a sudden shock of cold. It's like when you jump into a cold pool or step out into a freezing winter day. Your body reacts to the cold by constricting blood vessels and sending blood rushing to your core to protect your vital organs. This can cause a tingling sensation or even a bit of discomfort as your body adjusts.
During the treatment, you might feel numbness in the area being treated, which can reduce the sensation of pain. However, as the cold penetrates deeper into your tissues, you may start to feel aching or stinging sensations. Some people describe it as feeling like pins and needles or a burning sensation. This discomfort usually intensifies the longer you're exposed to the cold.
After the treatment, when your body starts to warm back up, you might experience redness, swelling, or even itching in the treated area. This is because blood rushes back to the peripheral tissues, bringing with it oxygen and nutrients to aid in recovery.
Overall, the level of pain experienced during cryotherapy can vary greatly from person to person. Some people find it tolerable and even enjoy the invigorating feeling afterward, while others may find it too uncomfortable. It's important to communicate with your cryotherapy technician or healthcare provider about any discomfort you experience during the treatment so they can adjust it accordingly. And always listen to your body—if something feels too painful or uncomfortable, don't hesitate to stop the treatment.