What Makes Cold Plunge Therapy Work?
While mores studies are needed, much is known about the mechanics of cold plunge therapy and other cold-based therapies, collectively known as cryotherapy. The term “cryo-” means “icy cold” or “frost.” A practical application found in sports medicine, cryotherapy is effective at speeding up recovery after performance, and reducing painful inflammation after injury. In clinical studies, it has been found that the increased nerve conductivity is the main driver of the resulting pain relief and inflammation reduction.5,6
In other studies, the stimulation of the body’s natural pathways for healthy neurotransmission and neurotransmitter production has been found to be boosted by the practice of cold plunge therapy. Even injury prevention has found positive results on athletic performance in sports medicine using whole-body cryotherapy, according to the published evidence.7
An interesting clinical report published in the British Medical Journal reveals the story of a woman who suffered from chronic depression from the age of 17 to 24, for which antidepressants like citalopram and fluoxetine provided no relief. When a regimen of weekly cold water swimming was introduced, an immediate improvement in mood occurred, and a further symptom reduction that continued to improve as time went on. By the next year, she was able to completely eliminate her medication, and on follow-up after a year, it was found that she remained symptom-free after the regular application of cold water therapy.8
Another study out of the UK published in the Journal of Mental Health and Physical Activity wanted to explore the effects of cold water swimming on anxiety and depression symptoms. A group of 53 swimmers participated in the study with follow-ups at 3 months. The participants reported positive improvements in mental health, with reduced anxiety and depression symptoms.9 The researchers from the study also sought to explain the mechanics of such benefits. They pointed to research published in the Journal of Thermal Biology on cold water therapy that clearly demonstrated a priming or stimulating effect that strengthens both the inflammatory and immune system responses in the human body. The study also showed that cortisol levels (cortisol is the stress hormone) and negative emotions both tested significantly lower hours after cold water immersion therapy.10,11
Becoming Cold-Adapted is Key to the Benefits and Safety
The operational word we are discussing about cold water immersion is “THERAPY”. Therapy assumes one is not attempting reckless or dangerous behavior. To contrast, jumping off the side of a ship into freezing water because the ship is sinking is definitely a cold plunge, but it’s not therapy. Cold water diving is another example where not becoming cold-adapted beforehand can cause health risk. The shock on the body can be so severe as to cause loss of consciousness, and has been associated with drownings.12
However, the process is much different in a therapeutic context. One can be guided by instructions for gradual and limited timed immersion, and there is always someone there to assist if needed. Tolerance can be built up step by step, so the body can become cold-adapted with repeated exposures. The condition of becoming cold-adapted is key to both safety and the many benefits provided by cold plunge therapy.
Cold-adapted persons enjoy improved cardio-protective effects of cold immersion therapy according to additional clinical research published in the Journal of Thermal Biology.13 And for those with high blood pressure concerns, there is other welcome news. Testing has been done on cold-adapted water swimmers including both heart-healthy participants and some with high blood pressure. While waiting in the icy air, all participants experienced an increase in blood pressure. The swim did not increase blood pressure, and within 4 minutes of completing their swim, blood pressure returned to normal baseline for all the participants.11
The Rising Popularity of Natural Approaches to Mental Health
We have seen a tremendous shift in recent years as non-drug-based treatments have become increasingly preferred, most often because of the poor efficacy and safety issues associated with pharmaceutical drugs. ATMC provides our clients with a huge array of non-drug-based therapies, including safe and supervised cold plunge therapy.
We have found that combining therapies can often have synergistic effects. That is why each client receives an individually tailored program that can take advantage of multiple genres of treatment to support their specific needs in healing and recovery. Many options are provided, so that a client’s stay with us is maximized for results, engagement, and also for comfort and well-being. Some examples include IV NAD therapy, acupuncture, neurotransmitter rehabilitation, neurotoxin removal, medically supervised medication tapering, Equine therapy, counseling, and a wealth of other services are offered at ATMC.
The Safe Approach to Cold Water Plunge Therapy at ATMC
ATMC puts safety first in all of the protocols we use. In our Detox Shoppe, clients enjoy the benefits of many different in-house services, including cold plunge therapy, that are delivered by licensed and highly trained practitioners who are dedicated to assist and ease the healing journey of each unique client.
Our inpatient programs are highly popular, because they are results-driven. You may have questions about costs, insurance coverage, length of stay, and many other areas and we are happy to provide any information you need while in the decision-making process. Please call us for more details about the benefits of cold plunge therapy, as well as the other treatments that are waiting for you here at Alternative to Meds Center.
Enhances alertness
