chryotherapy

[Spin1959]

My local spa offers cryotherapy for arthritis. Has anyone tried this for RA and had any effect? I tried having a full body massage to help ease my aches but ended up hurting all over! A cold shower helps but I can’t spend all day in there. Does anyone have some good tips please ?

[Amnesiac3637]

Hi. This may give you an answer. It’s not a big study which, as a former medic, proves to me that the whole idea probably hasn’t taken off. I think it’s another bandwagon jumped on by spas which have no interest in curing anything but just adding to their coffers but obviously it’s entirely up to you and it may help. Do let us know if you decide to give it a go!

‘ One study that looked at the effect of cryotherapy on people with rheumatoid arthritis didn’t find it beneficial. Sixty people were randomized either to WBC at minus 166 degrees F, or minus 66 degrees, or cryotherapy in just one localized area. Each treatment was given three times a day for a week, with rheumatologists subsequently measuring antioxidant capacity in the blood. Those having the coldest treatment did receive a short-term boost in this capacity, but none of the other groups did, and the effects didn’t last the week. “The cold treatments did not cause a significant oxidative stress or adaptation during one week, the study authors conclude in the September 2017 issue of Rheumatology International’.

[Spin1959 in reply to Amnesiac3637]

Thanks for your help

[Blackberrywine]

I've not tried it, but I find cold baths and showers help a good deal to be honest. Swimming in cold water is the best. It certainly seems to help when I'm very inflamed. For most people cold therapy is very uncomfortable though.

[Spin1959 in reply to Blackberrywine]

Swimming in the sea and cold showers work well for me too.

[Runrig01]

We used cryotherapy on our knee replacements on our ward. You have to be very careful, it should only be applied for 15-20 mins. If it’s on longer it can cause what is known as reactive vasodilation, which is widening of the blood vessels, as they try to make sure the tissues get their blood supply. This can result in further inflammation, which defeats the purpose of the ice. Most of our patients were skeptical when we offered it for pain, but when we went to remove the devices they were reluctant to part with them. They certainly do provide temporary relief when used correctly, but generally should be reserved for acute flares, surgery or injury,

You may find this article useful

creakyjoints.org/living-wit...

[Spin1959 in reply to Runrig01]

Thanks an interesting article