Power From the Cold

For many widespread illnesses – such as rheumatism, chronic pain, asthma, or atopic dermatitis – there are currently no medical therapies available that lead to a cure. Whole-body cryotherapy can significantly alleviate symptoms in many of these cases – even far beyond the duration of the actual therapy. Whole-body cryotherapy is a short-term physical therapy in which the patient is exposed to an extreme cold stimulus for a few minutes two to three times a day over a period of one to three weeks. The procedure was developed in Japan in 1980 and has since become established in Europe. In Germany alone, more than 40 clinics have cryotherapy chambers. Prof. Winfried Papenfuß describes the principles, effects, indications, and contraindications of the therapy in a practical yet scientifically sound manner. Further chapters address the use of the therapy in sports medicine and competitive sports, as well as the interaction of whole-body cryotherapy with other forms of therapy. Indications for whole body cryotherapy: Inflammatory-rheumatic joint diseases Osteoarthritis Fibromyalgia Chronic pains Spinal syndromes Tendopathies Muscular spasms Multiple sclerosis Blunt joint trauma Psoriasis Neurodermatitis Bronchial asthma Muscular dysbalances Central fatigue Sleep disorders Deterioration in psycho-physical performance