Immersion cryotherapy, also known as cold water immersion, is a treatment method used in the medical-sports environment and is aimed at promoting physical recovery. It is praised for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-oedematous properties and it reduces both inflammation and micro-trauma that arise during intense exertion.
Immersion cryotherapy involves submerging yourself in water, ideally between 10°C and 12°C, for 10 to 15 minutes. The water exerts hydrostatic pressure on the submerged limbs. Cold water combined with this pressure plays a significant role in reducing inflammation, pain, oedema, and muscle fatigue. Therefore, cold water immersion will reduce the risk of injury and speed up physical recovery. Furthermore, liquid cryotherapy is indicated post-traumatically and post-operatively to accelerate the body's healing and recovery.
There are various protocols, depending on the desired effects. The pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties make cold water a 100% natural solution, and thus an important component of athletes' performance and physical recovery.
The process of cold water immersion and its benefits
Vasoconstriction is a physiological mechanism that corresponds to the reduction in the diameter of blood vessels. This phenomenon reduces blood flow to the extremities (lower and upper limbs). As a result, the body will maintain a constant internal temperature by promoting irrigation to the centre of the body.
Therefore, immersion in cold water reduces:
When? After significant exertion, after training, a match, in the event of an injury, or even after surgery.
Cold water immersion has scientifically proven beneficial effects on certain pathologies: veno-lymphatic, rheumatological conditions, and osteoarthritis.
The protocol for cold water immersion (cryotherapy) can be applied with one Cryotank-Sport set.
The alternating hot/cold immersion process for a tenfold effect
Immersion through alternating hot and cold offers additional possibilities for physical recovery: the dual effect of vasoconstriction and vasodilation (blood vessel narrowing and widening) ensures important blood flow, which leads to natural drainage. This means that the transition from one state to another promotes blood circulation and thus accelerates physical recovery.
Alternative immersion helps to combat:
When? If you want to continue to follow and play training sessions and matches/competitions without trauma.
If you would like to know more about hydrotherapy or how we can help you with it, please let us know.
