Cold Recovery

WITH THE BEAST FROM THE EAST STILL IN OUR MEMORIES, 400m HURDLERS, INCLUDING GOLD COAST-BOUND JACOB PAUL, EXPERIENCE EVEN COLDER TEMPERATURES WITH THE AIM OF BOOSTING RECOVERY

WHOLE body cryotherapy (WBC) is a completely dry, non-invasive, hyper-cooling process that uses nitrogen to lower skin temperature to approximately 5C. While inside the cryotherapy cabin, the body is enveloped by a pulsating mist (the nitrogen) at a temperature of -140C – this triggers a “fight or flight” response that enhances the body’s natural ability to heal and restore itself. AW went along with hurdler Jacob Paul and other members of his Marina Armstrong coached group to LondonCryo.

Cryotherapy dates back many centuries when the remedial effects of cold were discovered. However, bringing things up to date – and specifically the treatment offered at LondonCryo – WBC was invented in 1978 by a Japanese doctor for one of his patients who suffered from rheumatoid arthritis. Single person and multi-person walk in cryo sauna/cabins similar to LondonCryo’s have been in use for almost 40 years.

As WBC helps to reduce inflammation, pain is reduced and the body is able to heal itself and promote muscle recovery more quickly. Injury to muscles, bone and tissue repair is enhanced by reduced inflammation from highly enriched, oxygenated blood, improved blood circulation and lymphatic detoxification. Recovery occurs more quickly and completely in the anti-inflammatory and enhanced blood flow environment. Delayed Onset Muscular Soreness (DOMS) is also significantly reduced.