In the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament, England’s football team is utilizing cryotherapy as a recovery tool. However, experts caution that it may not be suitable for everyone. Midfielder Jude Bellingham has praised the benefits of cryotherapy, citing relief from soreness and injuries after just one session. The CryoLabs van, which has traveled over 1,100km to Germany, houses a cryo-chamber that can cool athletes to extremely low temperatures to aid in their recovery process.
Cryotherapy is marketed as a way to alleviate muscle inflammation and soreness while reducing recovery time from injuries. It can also improve muscle strength and energy levels by stimulating blood flow and reducing swelling and pain. Treatments are supervised by professionals such as former footballer Chris Banks and physiotherapist Mark Banks.
Players incorporate cryotherapy into their post-training routine as well as after competitions to help them recover more quickly. Studies show that cold water immersion following exercise can enhance performance in subsequent sessions by increasing infection-fighting cells like lymphocytes, which support endurance.
While there are many advantages of cryotherapy, there are also potential risks involved. Users may experience frostbite or asphyxiation if proper monitoring is not maintained. Cryotherapy is not approved by the US FDA because it is not considered a medical treatment for any specific condition. Pregnant women and individuals with high blood pressure should avoid using cryotherapy due to these possible dangers.
Despite these concerns, cryotherapy remains popular among athletes seeking an efficient way to recover from training and competition while minimizing downtime. With proper supervision and adherence to safety precautions, this therapy can provide significant benefits for those who choose to incorporate it into their fitness routines.