Cryotherapyinvolves exposing the skin to extremely low temperatures for a short time.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not cleared or approved whole-body cryotherapy devices.
It warns consumers of several reported incidents of adverse events and even death from using them.
Photo composite by Joules Garcia for Verywell Health; Getty Images
Whole-body cryotherapy has become increasingly popular for these purposes.
When done immediately after exercise, cryotherapy’s most substantial benefits occur within 24 to 96 hours.
Skin Benefits
There is minimal research on the cosmetic skin benefits of cryotherapy treatments.
Who Should Not Do Cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy is generally considered safe.
Consult a healthcare provider before using a cryotherapy unit, especially if you have any preexisting medical conditions.
The FDA has not approved any whole-body cryotherapy equipment and warns consumers of their use.
The strongest evidence is for cryotherapy’s benefits in decreasing postexercise muscle soreness and inflammation.
Cryotherapy treatments and devices can also be expensive and should be avoided by those with certain health conditions.
See a healthcare provider before undergoing any cryotherapy treatment.
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Johns Hopkins Medicine.What to know about cyrotherapy.
Fontana JM, Bozgeyik S, Gobbi M, et al.Whole-body cryostimulation in obesity.
A scoping review.J Therm Biol.
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