Cryotherapy users report various health benefits for everything from workout recovery to mental wellness. But we’re only beginning to realize the benefits of cryotherapy for those with autoimmune disorders and other chronic conditions.

Cryotherapy is considered an alternative treatment for a wide range of chronic conditions. About 40 percent of adults in the United States say they use some form of alternative therapy today.

Let’s explore a few of the chronic conditions people say cryotherapy helps.

Arthritis

Whole body cryotherapy started in Japan 40 years ago to fight the inflammation and ease the pain and discomfort caused by rheumatoid arthritis. This chronic inflammatory disorder occurs when the immune system attacks its own tissue. Today, cryotherapy is also used to treat other forms of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis and psoriatic arthritis, and to treat the inflammation of other rheumatic conditions.

One in every five US adults is dealing with some type of arthritis today, making it the most common disability in the country. Because the damage from arthritis is irreversible, sufferers have to find ways to manage the pain. The Arthritis Foundation says that cold therapy is one of the most efficient methods for pain relief that is also cost-effective.

Skin Conditions

Cryotherapy can ease the symptoms of skin conditions such as:

• Dermatitis, an inflammation that causes an itchy rash and a variety of other symptoms  
• Eczema, a form of dermatitis resulting in inflamed, cracked skin
• Psoriasis, a skin disease sometimes associated with psoriatic arthritis

When applied to a part of the body, ice can relieve inflammation in that particular area. Whole body cryotherapy, on the other hand, reduces inflammation throughout the body, healing more than one area at a time.

Other Autoimmune Disorders

Medical studies show that cryotherapy can ease the symptoms of other autoimmune diseases and chronic conditions they cause, such as:

• Fibromyalgia, which causes symptoms such as muscle and joint pain and fatigue
• Multiple sclerosis, a nervous system disorder that leads to muscle weakness, coordination and balance issues, and other symptoms
• Osteoporosis, a bone disease that makes bones weak and more likely to break

We look forward to seeing the results as more studies show how cryotherapy can help patients. If you’re interested in trying cryotherapy first hand, check out our cryosauna locator to find a studio near you.