Health and Medicine
101 Cryotherapy in Society
Karma Rini
Introduction
Cryotherapy is a popular therapeutic method that has evolved from the use in ancient practices to modern, cutting-edge technologies used today. The growing use and popularity of different types of cryotherapy parallels the increasing societal demand for technology that betters one’s health. Cryotherapy has evolved over time from ice packs to cryosurgery to whole-body chambers as a result of increasing technological advancements, increased scientific research performed by society, and increased therapy practices in sports and wellness trends. Through the lens of the modernization theory, the evolution of cryotherapy can be viewed as a technology created by society in response to the culture that has been created over time pertaining to health, sports medicine, and aesthetics. This chapter dives into the ways cryotherapy has evolved with society as well as touches on the under looked biases of the technology itself.
Connection to STS
Cryotherapy reflects the convergence of science, technological innovation, and societal values regarding health and wellness. As advancements in cryotherapy research and technology emerge, the practice becomes increasingly accessible to the general public, catering to a growing societal interest in alternative health therapies and holistic well-being. The widespread adoption of cryotherapy centers and treatments reflects the cultural shift towards proactive self-care and the integration of innovative health technologies into daily life. The popularity of cryotherapy signifies the modern trend of embracing non-invasive, natural approaches to managing physical discomfort and enhancing overall vitality. Cryotherapy serves as a prime example of how the interplay between science, technology, and societal preferences shapes contemporary health practices and fitness trends.
Cryotherapy Technology
The basis of cryotherapy is that it forms a reduction in tissue temperature by withdrawal of heat from the body (Kwiecien & McHugh, 2021). The practice of heat reduction within the core body is physiologically seen as a benefit by slowing sensory nerve conduction velocities (Allan et.al., 2022). The basis behind cryotherapy is that the heat loss when applying extremely cool temperatures (between -110℃ to -140℃) occurs mainly at the skin. The heat lost at the skin-level represents the amount lost in metabolically active tissues (Cuttell, 2017). The change in blood flow and conduction velocities due to heat loss provides evidence to minimize the inflammatory response regarding injuries, post-exercise muscle recovery as well as treat skin conditions, cancerous lesions, and provide pain relief to those with rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis (inflammatory arthritis of the spine) (Millhone, 2023).
Cryotherapy dates back to ancient Greece, where work by Hippocrates suggested that cold water therapy would prevent energy and strength depletion (Allan et. al.