Does Cryotherapy Improve Post Performance Recovery?

Does Cryotherapy Improve Post Performance Recovery?

 Is ice really the best answer?

  

Introduction:

What is Cryotherapy:

Just about anyone at some point in their lives has used some form of cryotherapy on themselves from a simple ice pack all the way up to having a whole body cryotherapy done in a cryo-chamber. Why do we use the cold on our body? 

What do we use it for:

Medical professionals have been giving athletes cryotherapy in all its forms for years as a way to combat muscle soreness, fatigue, injury recovery time, to even improving sleep.

What Studies are Finding:

The research shows that cryotherapy, as it is used currently, does not have the results that it is believed to and has limited efficacy overall, compared to passive recovery.​   

A study done in 2022 found that cold water immersion had no benefits over passive recovery after 120 minutes of muscle fatigue onset 

A study done in 2021 found evidence that blood lactate levels were reduced following whole body cryotherapy, but the levels of perceived soreness had no positive change

A study done in 2020 Found that using Whole Body Cryotherapy hours after exercise had no benefits in treating muscle damage

 

Practical Applications:

Based on the current results from the data and experiments, more research needs to be done before we can keep using Cryotherapy modalities at the rate we currently use them. There is not enough supporting data to back up its prevalence in the medical and athletic society. 

Additional References:

A brief history on the use of cryotherapy over the centuries can be found here

Additional research on what cryotherapy can be found here

A short video from a local news station touting dome of the perceived benefits can be found here

About the Author:

Tom is on track to graduate from Westfield State University with a major in Sports Medicine and a minor in Psychology. Tom's passion for sports has been a constant in his life, both in competitive and recreational settings, and he has plans to maintain an active lifestyle for the foreseeable future. Tom serves as a board member for the Health Professions Club at Westfield. Upon graduation, Tom has plans to enroll in a Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program. You can contact Tom at tfahy96@gmail.com.

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