The Scientific Benefits Of Cold Therapy
Cold therapy is the use of cold temperatures to relieve symptoms and conditions. Cold therapy includes cold-water immersion and whole-body cold therapy.
Cold-water immersion involves an individual submerging their body partially or fully in water at approximately 15 degrees C (59 Fahrenheit). This can be performed at home or in a clinical setting. This is a very common practice with athletes. Full submersion is usually required (up to the neck).
Whole-body cold therapy involves being in a chamber filled with cold air chilled to -110 degrees C or colder (-230 Fahrenheit). This method is commonly referred to as cryotherapy and became very popular in recent years.
Cold therapy has been considered an accepted form of therapy treatment for many common acute injuries and post-exercise recovery. Currently, there is a body of knowledge growing that suggests there are a large amount of wellness benefits, both physical and mental from this process as well. But what is the science behind it?
CATEGORIES OF COLD THERAPY BENEFITS
Cold therapy has been shown to help reduce nerve sensitivity and swelling. Thus reducing the perception of acute and chronic pain. This is an accepted practice to reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) pain.
Inflammation
Cold therapy triggers hormone changes in the body that lower inflammation levels in the body as well as reduce visible signs of swelling.
Research has been shown to help relieve depressive symptoms because inflammation markers have been observed at higher levels in those with depression and anxiety. There is a very strong association between chronic inflammation and depression according to research.
The cold temperatures used in cold therapy stimulate a hormonal response in the body that has antioxidant effects that can improve mood and brain function. Stress resiliency is also markedly improved due to changes in levels of neurotransmitters in the brain.
HRV is the fluctuation of time between heartbeats. This is a very subtle change that can only be measured with sensitive instruments. Cold therapy can help improve variability which in turn improves physical and psychological stress.
Vasoconstriction
Muscles in the walls of blood vessels narrow the vessels slowing down blood flow. Cold therapy initiates this response which reduces muscle pain, swelling, and fatigue. This happens in the periphery.
WELL THEORY’S MUSCLE RECOVERY SUPPLEMENTS
Coenzyme q10 is an essential molecule needed by the body to provide optimal mitochondrial function. Optimal mitochondrial function can in turn help manage muscle pain and post-activity recovery. These gummies also contain tart cherry extract and Chaga mushrooms which act as natural anti-inflammatories!
Tart Cherry Extract is a natural anti-inflammatory that works partly through COX-2 enzyme inhibition; this means that it might act in the body in a similar fashion to how synthetic NSAIDs work in the body. It is also a natural antioxidant that helps the body control levels of free radicals and oxidative stress!
NMN is a molecule that increases the body’s ability to synthesize NAD+ which is very important to cellular health and has been proven to increase aerobic capacity during exercise which can help speed up post-activity recovery!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Meredith Warner is the creator of Well Theory and The Healing Sole. She is a board-certified Orthopedic Surgeon and Air Force Veteran.
She is on a mission to disrupt traditional medicine practices and promote betterment physically, spiritually and mentally to many more people. She advocates for wellness and functional health over big pharma so more people can age vibrantly with more function and less pain.
At Well Theory, Our surgeon-designed products are FDA Registered and formulated to help people:
- Manage the symptoms of musculoskeletal pain
- Recover vibrantly from orthopedic related surgeries
- Fill the gaps in our daily diets
- Manage pain associated with inflammation