Cryotherapy IN INDIA

What is Cryotherapy?

Use of Ice for injury, to reduce inflammation and swelling is widely versed. Imagine putting your whole body or a part in a chill chamber to heal it! 

Cryotherapy, also known as cryoablation, is a medical treatment in which extreme cold is applied to freeze and eliminate abnormal tissue. Healthcare providers use substances such as liquid nitrogen or argon gas to achieve these freezing temperatures. Cold therapy is effective for treating various skin conditions and certain types of cancer, including prostate and liver cancer. This technique can target tissue both on the skin’s surface (externally) and within the body (internally). Use And understanding of cryotherapy is limited among patients. 

Understanding the Basics of Cold Therapy Treatment

Cryotherapy is a treatment method that uses extreme cold to target and destroy unhealthy or abnormal cells in the body. This treatment can be applied externally or internally, depending on the location and type of tissue being treated. For instance, cryotherapy is commonly used to remove skin growths, such as warts, moles, or precancerous lesions, by applying the cold directly to the affected area on the skin. In some cases, it’s also used to treat cancers, such as prostate or liver cancer. In these situations, healthcare providers use specialized tools to direct the cold to internal tissues, either by inserting a small, needle-like instrument through the skin or using imaging technology to accurately guide the cryotherapy applicator to the treatment site.

The Science Behind Using Extreme Cold for Healing

The extreme cold works by freezing the abnormal cells, which disrupts their structure and eventually causes them to die. Over time, the body naturally removes these dead cells, allowing healthy tissue to replace the damaged area. Cryotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure, meaning it requires little or no cutting or surgical intervention. As a result, it often has fewer side effects and a shorter recovery time compared to other forms of treatment, such as surgery. However, it may cause some mild discomfort or temporary skin changes, like redness, swelling, or blistering, at the treatment site.

Cold therapy is often recommended for patients looking for a less invasive option to treat specific conditions, and it’s generally safe with minimal risks. If you’re considering cryotherapy, your healthcare provider will evaluate your specific condition to determine if this treatment is suitable for you. They’ll also discuss any potential side effects and help you understand what to expect during and after the procedure.

What are the top benefits of cryotherapy?

Why subject your body to chill temperature, to an unpleasant treatment? Cryotherapy offers numerous benefits for various health and wellness needs. One of its primary advantages is pain relief; by exposing the body or specific areas to extreme cold, cryotherapy can numb pain receptors, reduce inflammation, and promote faster recovery, making it popular for chronic pain management and sports injuries. For skin conditions, cryotherapy can treat issues such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis by reducing inflammation and enhancing skin regeneration. Athletes also frequently turn to cryotherapy to speed up recovery after intense physical activity, as it helps to minimise soreness and muscle damage, allowing them to perform at their best with reduced downtime. Additionally, while not a direct weight-loss treatment, cryotherapy can stimulate the body’s metabolism due to the intense cold, encouraging calorie burn and supporting weight management as part of an overall healthy lifestyle. These combined benefits make cryotherapy a versatile option for health, recovery, and wellness needs.

From Pain Relief to Improved Recovery in Rheumatoid Arthritis

History is evident of using cold therapy to relieve pain especially in Greece, Persia and Rome. Moreover, in 1980 cold sheets were used to calm psychiatric patients as well. Many studies have shown that cryotherapy at minus 148 degrees F for a short duration of time about 2 to 3 minutes has helped many patients suffering from excessive rheumatoid patients. The intense cold applied during cryotherapy can reduce inflammation, numb pain receptors, and promote faster healing, making it highly effective for managing chronic pain. Healthcare providers often use therapy to reduce pain for at least 3 months which provides relief without medications. Some studies show that there was a decrease of inflammatory markers after the therapy. This is an additional benefit apart from pain relief. Patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis have decreased mobility due to inflammation in the joints. This leads to increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Cryotherapy decreases the risk by increasing the capacity of the patient to exercise. 

Cryotherapy for Athletes

Boosting Performance and Reducing Muscle Soreness!

Cryotherapy has become a valuable tool for athletes aiming to boost performance and reduce muscle soreness. By exposing the body to extreme cold, cryotherapy can quickly reduce inflammation and minimise muscle damage after intense workouts or competitions. This accelerated recovery allows athletes to train harder and more frequently, with less downtime due to muscle soreness. The cold also helps constrict blood vessels, which decreases swelling and promotes quicker healing. Many athletes use cryotherapy to manage chronic injuries or reduce pain in areas prone to strain, helping them stay in peak condition. As a result, cryotherapy has gained popularity in sports and fitness, offering a safe and effective way to enhance recovery, support high performance, and keep athletes at the top of their game.

Cryotherapy for Cancers

Cryotherapy is also used as an effective treatment for certain types of cancer by applying extreme cold to destroy cancerous cells. This technique is often used to treat cancers such as prostate, liver, and lung cancer. During the procedure, a healthcare provider inserts a thin, needle-like instrument called a cryoprobe into or near the tumour. By releasing substances like liquid nitrogen or argon gas through this probe, they can freeze and destroy the cancer cells while preserving surrounding healthy tissue. Cryotherapy is a minimally invasive option, which means it often has a shorter recovery time and fewer side effects compared to more invasive surgical methods. Additionally, it can be used for patients who may not be candidates for traditional surgery. With its precision and ability to target specific areas, cryotherapy is a promising option for effectively managing certain cancers.

Can freezing temperature help burn fat?

Bariatric surgery may be the safest surgery possible to cut down excessive obesity but it’s an invasive choice! Cryotherapy is a non-invasive procedure, effective in weight management. During a cryotherapy session, the body is exposed to extremely cold temperatures, which can stimulate the metabolism as it works to maintain core body temperature. This metabolic boost can lead to an increase in calorie burn, even after the session ends. Some studies suggest that cryotherapy may also influence fat cells, potentially encouraging the body to use fat as energy. Additionally, regular cryotherapy sessions can help reduce inflammation, which is often linked to weight gain and difficulty losing weight. While cryotherapy alone is not a substitute for a healthy diet and exercise, it can be a helpful addition for those looking to support their weight loss goals and overall wellness.

Whole-Body vs. Localised Cryotherapy

Exploring Different Types of Cold Therapy!

Cold therapy is highly dependent on your requirement as well the duration of treatment. Each therapy has its own use and benefits. Talk to your healthcare provider before opting for cold therapy!

Whole-Body Cryotherapy

• Treatment Scope: Exposes the entire body to cold temperatures, typically in a cryotherapy chamber or cryosauna.
• Temperature Range: Extremely cold temperatures, often between -110°C to -160°C (-166°F to -256°F).
• Session Duration: Typically short, lasting between 2-4 minutes.

Benefits:

• Reduces overall inflammation.
• Provides relief for widespread muscle soreness and joint pain.
• Enhances mood and energy due to endorphin release.
• May support metabolism and weight management.

Use Cases: Athletes seeking full-body recovery, people with chronic pain, or those looking for mental and physical wellness benefits.

Localized Cryotherapy

• Treatment Scope: Targets specific areas of the body (e.g., knees, elbows, or injured tissues).
• Temperature Range: Less extreme compared to whole-body; applied directly to the affected area, often with cold air or a cryoprobe.
• Session Duration: Varies but generally lasts 5-10 minutes for small areas.

Benefits:

• Provides targeted pain relief for injuries or specific muscle/joint areas.
• Reduces swelling and inflammation precisely where needed.
• Enhances healing and recovery time for injuries.

Use Cases: Treatment of localized pain, sports injuries, skin conditions, and recovery of specific muscle groups.

How to Prepare for a Cryotherapy Session?

What to Expect Before, During, and After Your Treatment!

There are several cryotherapy techniques used to freeze abnormal tissue, with the method chosen based on the tissue’s location.

• External Cryotherapy: When abnormal tissue is on the skin, a healthcare provider applies the freezing agent using a spray device or a cotton swab. This process freezes the targeted area, causing the skin to blister and eventually peel away, allowing healthy new skin to grow in its place.
• Internal Cryotherapy: For treating conditions within the body, such as precancerous cells or tumors, a device called a cryoprobe is used. The cryoprobe is inserted through a small incision in the skin, delivering cold precisely to the affected tissue. As abnormal cells freeze and die, the immune system helps clear them from the body.

For most individuals, no special preparation is needed for cryotherapy applied to the skin. However, your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions if you’re preparing for internal cryotherapy.

Before internal cryosurgery, you may need to stop taking certain medications, such as aspirin or blood thinners, a few days in advance. Additional preparation guidelines may include:

• Reducing food and drink intake before the procedure.
• Arranging for someone to drive you home afterward.

What to expect during the therapy?

In external cryotherapy, your healthcare provider applies cold using a spray device or a cotton swab, often with liquid nitrogen as the cooling agent. For internal cryotherapy, a cryoprobe is inserted through a small incision in your skin. Ultrasound imaging may be used to guide the cryoprobe precisely to the tissue being treated. Anaesthesia may be administered based on the location of the abnormal cells. Local anaesthesia is used to numb a specific area, while general anaesthesia is administered during more extensive procedures to put you to sleep.

What to expect after cryotherapy ?

After cryotherapy for cancer, patients may experience mild discomfort or soreness in the treated area for a few days. Swelling or bruising can occur, depending on the location and extent of the treatment. Internal cryotherapy may lead to temporary side effects specific to the area treated. For example, if cryotherapy was performed on the prostate, some patients may experience urinary symptoms or minor bleeding. The body gradually absorbs and clears the dead cancer cells, which can take time as the immune system works to remove the treated tissue.

Your healthcare provider will offer post-treatment care instructions to help manage any symptoms, and regular follow-up visits are often scheduled to monitor healing and evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment.

Cost of Cryotherapy in India

Cryotherapy is an advanced treatment used for various disorders like skin conditions, cancers and pain. According to the treatment cost varies. Here is a detailed analysis of the cost of treatment in India. 

Treatment of cancer depends on various factors like stay in the hospital, severity and speciality of the healthcare provider. 

Cost of Cryotherapy in India vs Other countries

The cost of treatment in India varies from place to place as well. The cost of cryotherapy in Delhi is around Rs. 6300 per session whereas in Bengaluru and Gurugram, the average cost is Rs. 6000 per session. Local cryotherapy targeting a single joint or muscle is quite common in India. In developed countries people often opt for whole-body cryotherapy which usually costs on the higher side.  AI-Afiya Medi Tour helps patients to find the best possible treatment keeping in mind the cost and care you desire! Talk to our experts via clicking on the button on the website. 

More Info About Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy for prostate cancer has shown to be an effective treatment for a wide variety of medical conditions. Cryotherapy is effective in treating a wide variety of skin disorders, the majority of which do not call for any further aftercare.

After undergoing internal cryotherapy, some patients are instructed to reduce the amount of physical activity they engage in for a period of several days. When you are able to resume your typical activities, your healthcare professional will let you know. It’s possible that you’ll need more than one session of cryotherapy in order to get rid of all the aberrant tissue.