Ok, so who else admits to thinking Cryotherapy was something to do with being frozen when you die? Yep….me too.
How wrong was I??!! But this is the latest “craze” (although I am sure that this is here to stay!) that sports people and celebs are raving about…..tricking your body into thinking it is dying, thus releasing those much needed endorphins (something to do with the bodys’ fight or flight procedure) and the result is…….”pretty impressive,……and cold!!”
The term “cryotherapy” comes from the Greek cryo (κρύο) meaning cold, and therapy (θεραπεία) meaning cure. So, I have done a bit of research, and found my interest piqued……
I had heard a few things about Cryotherapy and how it can help with sports injuries etc, so I contacted Founder & Owner, Ruth Hyde of Cryojuvenate UK and made an appointment to visit her in her Sevenoaks clinic.
From the instant I walked into the clinic, it was a WOW factor. All very white and electric blue, with a thoroughly modern, dare I say, futuristic reception area. It was here that I sat and chatted to Ruth about where this all started.
Ruth has always had an interest in sports, a very keen sportsperson as a young girl, she did trampolining, ran both short and long distance, and just generally enjoyed sport. She embarked on a career in the city, where she spent most of her time commuting whilst learning a corporate approach to business. Fast forward a few years, and she was made redundant. Ruth says she saw this as a blessing, and it bought her some time to do the research and embark on a new path.
So, talk me through the process of the Cryotherapy chamber??
“OK, so the user has to wear protective socks and shorts, then we supply them with appropriate footwear and protectors for mouth, ears and other extremities. Clients then enter the chamber, which is temperature controlled, and this is where they are exposed to super-cooled air, which can go down to as cold as -93degC. We advise they move around during this therapy”
Ruth shows me the chamber, and it is pretty impressive, even if a little “Sci-Fi”. There is a glass door, which Ruth ensures me, allows visual contact with the client during the 3 minute treatment.
Something else they offer at Cryojuvenate UK, is the Local Cryotherapy. This uses a hand held device (looks a bit like a futuristic hoover attachment). It applies cold air (-32 deg C) topically as required, to the specific parts of the body that require treatment. So, if you suffer from a muscle pain, strained neck or back pain for example, simply lay down on the bed, and they will apply the cold air to the affected area.
Everything4Rugby’s very own Tom May recently paid a visit, and was amazed how good he felt after stepping out of the chamber.
Having a background in Rugby, I was interested to know how this could help the rugby players at my local club. Ruth explained…
“A sport like Rugby, the body is taking a physical “beating” during every game. Times that by 26 (an average number of games played in rugby season), and it doesn’t take much to work out that injury can have a huge affect on its 1st XV squad, and their recovery times. Many coaches are becoming aware just what Cryotherapy can do to enhance (and shorten!) the recovery time for their players. This has a massive impact on having the right players for each game, and being game ready. The treatment also allows players to train with greater intensity, reduce muscle soreness, aid sleep and provide an exhilarating post-chamber sensation. We are all aware of the benefits of the IceBath – this is just that but goes deeper and is more intense”
Ruth really does believe in what she does, and I am not surprised that her new venture is going well. She welcomes everyone with a warm smile, helps them chose the right treatment, and is happy to talk at length about Cryotherapy and how everyone can benefit. She offers me a quick “freeze” and I tell her that I will definitely book in and take her up on it soon.
