Answered by SecondMedic Expert
Physiotherapist · Physiotherapy
No, cryotherapy is not a scam. Instead, it is a novel form of physical therapy used to reduce inflammation and pain associated with certain medical conditions. It involves exposing the body to extremely cold temperatures in order to trigger chemical reactions that relieve discomfort and improve overall health.
First developed in Japan in 1978 as a way to treat rheumatoid arthritis, cryotherapy has seen an increase recently due to growing research on its potential benefits for other medical issues such as depression, anxiety, obesity and autoimmune disorders. Research conducted by The Rheumatology Journal found that 87 percent of participants reported decreased pain after just six weeks of whole-body cryotherapy from -60°Celsius (-76°Fahrenheit) twice per week for two consecutive weeks followed by once per week for four additional weeks. A similar study published in The International Journal of Hyperthermia also revealed that three sessions per week over a period of three months had a positive impact on the overall well-being and quality of life amongst individuals undergoing treatment for cancer-related fatigue.
Cryotherapy should always be administered by trained healthcare professionals who understand how best to use this technology safely for specific conditions or injuries; self-administration is never recommended as it carries potential risks including frostbite and tissue damage if done incorrectly or at too high intensity levels.
Overall, while more research still needs to be done surrounding long term effects associated with repeated exposure to extreme cold temperatures, current case studies point towards cryotherapy being beneficial when administered properly under qualified supervision—ultimately debunking any notion that it’s nothing more than mere hype or scam promised unrealistic results!