The scope of cold therapy, which has been used for centuries to reduce inflamed and swollen parts of the body, has recently been enlarged to include the whole body. First developed in physical medicine to help athletes recover and improve their performance, prevent relapses for different illnesses and in the treatment of muscular and inflammatory pathologies, the latest in cyrotherapy is now the equivalent of a whole body ice bath that shocks the outer layer of skin with extreme cold temperatures.

Developed in Japan in 1978 to treat rheumatoid arthritis, an inflammatory, autoimmune disease of the joints, the walk-in cryo spa chamber, cooled by nitrogen mist, lowers an individual’s skin surface temperature by 30 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit over a period of two to three minutes. The body, which is not in contact with the gas, responds to the lower temperature by revving up the metabolic rate to literally “warm up”.

The skin reacts to the cold and sends messages to the brain that act as a stimulus to the regulatory functions of the body, which results in the scanning of all areas that may not be working to their fullest potential. This exposure to the extreme temperature also triggers the release of anti-inflammatory molecules and endorphins that elevate feelings of well-being.

Studies published in the Journal of Athletic Training and the International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health indicate that in order to realize the anti-inflammatory effects, reduce or minimize pain and soreness in injured or affected areas, icing on an “overall” level is only necessary for a short period of time.

Dr. Ron Repice, owner of Rejuvenations Total Health & Cool Cyro Spa, 1575 Pine Ridge Rd., in Naples, offers private cryotherapy sessions. For more information or to make an appointment, call 239-658-2665 or visit CryoNaples.com.