Whole Body Cryotherapy for rheumatoid arthritis is becoming a popular method for treating this long-term, autoimmune and chronic disorder without a definite cure. In addition to osteoarthritis of the knee and psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis is one of the severe types of arthritis, which can lead to painful, warm, damaged, and swollen joints, as well as disability. Apart from the hands and wrist, the condition can also affect other body parts leading to lung and heart inflammation as well as a low count of red blood cells.
Can rheumatoid arthritis be treated?
Although rheumatoid arthritis has no permanent cure, there are treatments specially designed to lessen symptoms such as swelling, pain, prevent bone deformity, slow the advancement of the condition, and to preserve the functioning of the affected parts.
Recent innovations in immunology presented new drugs and treatments to prevent joint damage caused by chronic muscle and joint pain. However, these treatments are expensive and rare with potentially severe side effects such as infections. Also, the commonly used chemical-based drugs such as corticosteroids and Nonsteroidal Anti- 40 Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are known to be toxic.
So, what’s the best treatment method?
Nowadays, there has been the development of supplementary therapies to minimize the use of toxic doses, such as Whole Body Cryotherapy (WBC).
For many years, the ability of Whole Body Cryotherapy rheumatoid arthritis treatments to minimize inflammation and to stimulate the production of pain-relieving chemicals in the body makes it one of the best arthritis and knee pain treatment method.
Created in 1970s, Whole Body Cryotherapy rheumatoid arthritis treatment is a clinically studied method that can complement physiotherapy and conventional medical practices. It has been used to treat symptoms for a wide array of inflammatory joint diseases including osteoarthritis of the knee, psoriatic arthritis, hip joint pain, neck and upper back pain, knee pain, and chronic muscle and joint pain.
Benefits of cryotherapy
Studies show that after Whole Body Cryotherapy rheumatoid arthritis sessions, patients experience:
- Improved general health
- Reduced pain and inflammatory symptoms such as swelling
- Improved mobility and functioning of the joints
- Reduced intake of medications
- Reduced stiffness in the morning
- Reduced severity of fatigue
- Improved performance of the daily activities
- Improved sleep
- Relieves neck and upper back pain
In addition to the benefits, below are the facts why more and more people are choosing whole body cryotherapy for rheumatoid arthritis:
- It is a non-invasive method
- Has virtually no side effects (please check contraindications)
- Takes 3 minutes
- Can be cheaper than other types of therapies
Precautions
Experts say that whole body cryotherapy rheumatoid arthritis treatments should be done at least two to three times a week for optimal results. Then a doctor should assess the success of the treatment after two to three days. (For a complete list of recommended session frequency, check out this article).
Patients seeking cryo should under no circumstance refrain from mobility therapies. Why? Because movement plays a huge role in the distribution of synovial fluid which helps to lubricate the joints, allow smooth movement, and supply crucial nutrients to the joints. Inactivity can weaken muscles and may lead to secondary damage to the skeleton.
Conclusion
A few Whole Body Cryotherapy rheumatoid arthritis treatment sessions can help alleviate the gnawing pain. People who resort to this method for arthritis pain management, say that it gives an immediate (temporary) relief that cannot be attained from most medications. So, get out of your comfort zone and try this pain relief for arthritis to help you get your normal life back.
Sources
- Buena KP et al. (2009). Whole-body cryotherapy in patients with inflammatory rheumatic disease. A prospective study. http://europepmc.org/abstract/med/19337708.
- https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2015/409174/