Kicking Pain to the Curb!

September is National Pain Awareness Month

In the United States alone, there are an estimated 50 million people who live with chronic pain. Every September, during Pain Awareness Month, the United States Pain Foundation shines a light on the devastating impacts that pain poses on our society. Pain is the number one reason that people go to the doctor in the United States, and it costs this country an estimated $635 billion per year in terms of lost productivity and medical expenses. Despite the daunting number of people who experience pain in our country, the NIH dedicates only 2% of its budget to pain research. This statistic can be immensely disappointing to the millions of Americans searching for answers, and here at Cryo Recovery, we are actively bringing in innovative solutions for our customers seeking relief.

Our Approach to Pain

Contrary to mainstream pain interventions like opioid medications and steroid injections, at Cryo Recovery, we attempt to get to the source of your pain. As we have discussed at length in previous blogs, inflammation is the root of nearly every major disease. In many cases, inflammation is also responsible for a large number of chronic pain cases. Our modalities aim to reduce inflammation--plain and simple. By reducing the overall inflammatory burden on the body, we are able to get to the root cause of why you are experiencing debilitating pain.

Whole Body + Localized Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy was developed in Japan in the 1970s, strictly for the purpose of treating the inflammation and pain associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Researchers found that when you immerse a body in sub-zero temperatures, a Cold Shock response occurs. This Cold Shock response sends a signal to the brain to release endorphins and 3x the normal amount of norepinephrine. Norepinephrine is a powerful anti-inflammatory protein that inhibits TNFa (an inflammatory cytokine produced by the immune system) production. Additionally, endorphins are feel good hormones that elevate mood and produce an opioid-like response to pain signals.

Cryotherapy has been cited in a myriad of pain-related studies, with some of the most impressive results coming from researchers studying autoimmune arthritis and inflammatory disorders. For example, in this study, patients with active Ankylosing Spondylitis has significantly lower levels of CRP and CER (inflammatory markers) after undergoing Whole Body Cryotherapy. Moreover, the patients’ BASDAI + BASFAI (disease activity) scores were also measured, and in the WBC group, the decrease of these parameters was significantly higher when compared to that of the control group.

This incredible study concluded that Whole Body Cryotherapy contributed to a reduction in severity of pain in those with degenerative spine disease. Another phenomenal set of findings determined that Whole Body Cryotherapy could be recommended as an effective approach to improving pain levels in fibromyalgia patients. Finally, in this study, Whole Body Cryotherapy resulted in a reduction in the frequency and degree of pain perception in patients with osteoarthritis.

Originally developed by NASA for muscular regeneration and wound healing, Photobiomodulation Therapy is a true whole body healer. PBM has been scientifically proven to reduce oxidative stress in the body by delivering light at optimal wavelengths, power densities, and dosages, in order to increase ATP production in the body. By increasing ATP production, PBM promotes regeneration, reduces inflammation, and most importantly, delivers phenomenal results all while being drug and side effect free.

There have been a multitude of studies conducted over the last two decades regarding the efficacy of PBM, and the results have been overwhelmingly positive. In fact, the American College of Physicians Guidelines include a “strong recommendation” for Low-Level Laser Therapy as a non-invasive treatment for acute, subacute, and chronic pain.

Photobiomodulation is also hugely beneficial for those who suffer from neuropathic disorders. This fascinating study found that PBM positively impacted the recovery of nerve lesions, which thereby reduced the devastating impacts of neuropathy.

Check out this video of longtime Cryo Recovery member, Bob Badeaux, as he describes his Photobiomodulation Therapy experience with us. His neuropathic pain has been significantly reduced through regular PBM treatments.

According to this study, the light-tissue interaction that takes place during PBM promoted both an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect on the patients’ bodies. In addition to this pain and inflammation relief, PBM expedites neural and tissue healing, making it an ideal modality for those suffering from nerve-related disorders.

Finally, osteoarthritis is the most common joint disorder in the United States, and is a huge contributor to the chronic pain population. Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBM) is an alternative approach to treating osteoarthritis, and research findings are showing promising outcomes in slowing (or stopping) the progression of osteoarthritis. Speaking of arthritis, a systematic review in The Journal of Rheumatology found significant results across thirteen randomized controlled arthritis trials that had been conducted. In these trials, the best results were demonstrated in people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, with light therapy reducing participants’ pain by 70%, compared to the placebo.

We acknowledge that not all pain-related conditions are due to inflammatory issues. For a handful of patients, a chronic pain diagnosis is preceded by a traumatic bodily injury like a car accident or structural dysfunction within the body. Thankfully, our modalities tackle more than just inflammatory issues. Cutting edge treatments like NeuFit neuromuscular reeducation have proven themselves largely beneficial for many members.

NeuFit Neuro Therapy at Cryo Recovery utilizes innovative technology to directly hack the brain-body connection. This hack frees our bodies from the restrictions placed on the nervous system, leading to increased range of motion, reduced pain, increased strength, and expedited recovery.

The NeuFit Neubie device is able to pinpoint the exact location of where dysfunctional muscular and neurological connections are occurring, and is then able to reprogram these connections using electrical stimulation. This leads to a reduction in pain and discomfort, along with an increase in performance. Most of our members notice a significant improvement in just one session!

Check out this video to see an amazing testimonial from a Cryo Recovery client , Christine, who was suffering from debilitating spinal stenosis. After exhausting every pharmaceutical option (including IV morphine), she experienced 100% pain relief in just one NeuFit session. Talk about an amazing testimonial!