Cryotherapy and red-light therapy are two cutting-edge health and wellness treatments that are therapeutic, rejuvenating, and noninvasive. Traditionally, cryotherapy has been used in sports injury rehabilitation, and red light therapy (RLT) has been used for dermatologic and ophthalmologic interventions. In the regenerative health space, cryotherapy and red light therapy have been used in tandem to provide exceptional results for remarkable anti-aging and overall wellness goals.
What is Cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy is a therapeutic intervention that exposes tissue to very cold temperatures to elicit a specific biological response, namely vasoconstriction. This is essentially an anti-inflammatory response and a trigger for the autonomic nervous system to have a “reset” period.
Cryotherapy has been used for various symptoms. Whole-body cryotherapy has shown effectiveness in chronic pain management and weight loss, as well as an added enhancement in mental health and self-care routines. Targeted cryotherapy has demonstrated additional success in treating sports injuries and even spot-fat reduction (cryolypolysis.)
At Castle Rock, we offer localized cryotherapy, whole-body cryotherapy, and cryotherapy facials. The general differences between these modalities include:
- Localized cryotherapy: for spot treatments, muscle recovery, post-surgical rehabilitation, and managing chronic pain.
- Whole-body cryotherapy: for systemic chronic pain management, reducing whole-body inflammatory responses, enhancing sleep, reducing anxiety, depression, and stress, weight loss, and boosting immunity by stimulating the release of white blood cells.
- Cryotherapy facials: for anti-aging benefits such as reducing fine lines and wrinkles, decreasing inflammation and swelling, reducing pore size, and improving blood flow to hair follicles.
What is Red Light Therapy?
RLT is a photobiomodulation technique that uses specific wavelengths of red and infrared light. These wavelengths are measured in nanometers, and typically, RLT is kept between 630 and 1,064 nanometers, depending on the application. These wavelengths interact with tissues and our cell fluids differently than visible light and target the mitochondria.
RLT stimulates cell regeneration by targeting the mitochondria and the wavelength’s interaction with cytochrome c oxidase.
Through these complex processes, the following benefits have been clear:
- Reduced inflammation
- Increase fibroblast activity and collagen formation
- Promoting tissue healing by improving ATP availability
- Enhancing stem cell activation
- Anti-aging benefits
- Reduction in blood glucose spikes
- Chronic pain management
Working Together
Cryotherapy and Red Light Therapy uniquely complement each other. The therapeutic cold response helps to prepare cells to receive red light wavelengths better, making RLT application more efficient and effective.
Using cryotherapy prior to Red Light Therapy provides benefits, including:
- More effective pain management
- Faster inflammation reduction
- Enhanced circulation
- Optimized anti-aging effects
- Long-term health benefits
The best part about combined RLT and cryotherapy is that these procedures are completely noninvasive. No needles, pokes, or prods are needed. Cryotherapy is applied using super-cooled nitrogen gas, and while this sounds cold, it’s a very different sensation than an ice bath or cold plunge. Red light therapy uses panels with bulbs and can have a warming sensation but no significant discomfort.
Reach Your Wellness Goals with Castle Rock
Castle Rock Regenerative Health and Dr. Scott are ecstatic to offer noninvasive and cutting-edge modalities for our clients. From anti-aging and weight loss goals to chronic pain management or post-surgical recovery, Dr. Scott™️ prioritizes your health and wellness goals through various treatments.
Wherever you are on your healthcare journey, we can help. At Castle Rock Regenerative Healthcare, you’ll experience true client-centered care and compassion. Schedule your consultation today!
References
A clinical review of phototherapy for psoriasis
Reverse skin aging signs by red light photobiomodulation
How Cryotherapy Enhances the Benefits of Red Light Therapy
Proposed Mechanisms of Photobiomodulation or Low-Level Light Therapy
Mechanisms and Mitochondrial Redox Signaling in Photobiomodulation
Light stimulation of mitochondria reduces blood glucose levels
Mechanisms and Pathways of Pain Photobiomodulation: A Narrative Review
Use of Cryotherapy for Managing Chronic Pain: An Evidence-Based Narrative
Cryolipolysis: A promising nonsurgical technique for localized fat reduction
