Cryotherapy involves exposing the body, or parts of it, to very low temperatures for various health benefits. The term combines the Greek words “cryo,” meaning cold, and “therapy,” meaning treatment. This practice aims to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes and is used across a range of applications, from pain management to tissue destruction.
Early Historical Applications of Cold
The use of cold for therapeutic purposes significantly predates the formal concept of cryotherapy. Ancient civilizations recognized and utilized the benefits of cold temperatures for healing; in ancient Egypt (2500 BCE), healers employed ice and cold compresses to reduce swelling and treat injuries. The ancient Greeks, including Hippocrates (c. 400 BCE), documented the use of snow and ice for injuries, swelling, and fevers, with Hippocrates reportedly stating that “water can cure everything.” The Romans further popularized the use of cold water through their elaborate bathhouses, which often included a “frigidarium” (cold plunge pool) as part of a hot-and-cold bathing sequence believed to cleanse the body and improve circulation. These early, informal applications laid foundational knowledge for cold’s role in medicine.
The Formalization of Cryotherapy
The modern, formalized concept of cryotherapy, particularly Whole Body Cryotherapy (WBC), emerged in Japan in the late 1970s, pioneered by Japanese rheumatologist Dr. Toshiro Yamauchi, who is credited with this approach. In 1978, Dr. Yamauchi began applying extremely cold temperatures to treat his patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, observing that rapid cooling of the skin could significantly reduce pain and inflammation associated with joint conditions. Dr. Yamauchi’s work led him to coin the term “whole body cryotherapy” and to develop full-body freezing chambers. His initial research indicated that exposure to ultra-low temperatures, typically below -110°C, for short durations could induce the release of endorphins, leading to pain reduction. This breakthrough provided a systematic method for applying extreme cold to the entire body for therapeutic benefits, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of cold therapy.
Expansion of Cryotherapy Methods
Following its formalization in Japan, cryotherapy methods diversified and spread globally. Dr. Yamauchi’s work on Whole Body Cryotherapy was introduced to Europe in the 1980s, particularly in Germany by Professor Reinhard Fricke in 1984. European scientists, especially in Poland, further adapted WBC for applications in sports performance and recovery, using it to reduce recovery time and enhance athletic output, which led to its widespread adoption in elite training centers. Beyond whole-body applications, localized cryotherapy also developed, involving the targeted application of cold temperatures to specific areas using devices like ice packs, cold compresses, or specialized equipment. Cryosurgery, a distinct medical application, also evolved, utilizing extreme cold to destroy abnormal or diseased tissue, such as skin lesions, warts, or certain cancers, with this method often employing substances like liquid nitrogen or argon gas to achieve the necessary ultra-low temperatures. The progression from ancient cold practices to modern, diversified cryotherapy techniques reflects a continuous effort to harness cold for health and recovery.