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Whole-body cryotherapy has become one of the most sought-after therapies in sports medicine and rehabilitation. At our practice in Palma de Mallorca, we likely operate the only whole-body cryotherapy chamber on the island, reaching temperatures of -110°C. But what are the real, evidence-based benefits of this therapy, and who is it suitable for?
As a specialist in orthopaedics, sports medicine and qualified sports scientist (Diplom-Sportlehrer) who is also an active athlete, I have experienced the effects of cryotherapy first-hand — both in my patients and in my own recovery.
What Is Whole-Body Cryotherapy?
Whole-body cryotherapy involves exposing the entire body to extremely low temperatures (-110°C) for a brief period of 2 to 3 minutes inside a specialised chamber. Unlike traditional ice baths, cryotherapy uses dry cold air, which is more tolerable and allows much lower temperatures to be achieved.
The treatment takes place in a sealed chamber. The patient enters wearing minimal clothing, gloves and protection for the feet and ears. The session lasts just a few minutes, but triggers profound physiological responses that persist for hours.
How Does It Work?
The extreme cold activates the sympathetic nervous system and produces a chain of reactions:
- Immediate vasoconstriction of peripheral blood vessels
- Blood redistribution towards vital organs
- Release of endorphins and noradrenaline
- Reactive vasodilation afterwards, flooding tissues with oxygenated blood
- Reduction of inflammatory mediators such as cytokines
7 Proven Benefits of Cryotherapy
1. Pain Reduction
One of the most immediate benefits of cryotherapy is pain relief. Exposure to extreme cold triggers a massive release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. Patients with chronic back pain, joint pain or fibromyalgia report significant pain reduction after the first few sessions.
At our practice, we combine cryotherapy with our multimodal pain therapy approach, achieving results that often allow patients to avoid surgical intervention.
2. Reduced Inflammation
Cryotherapy reduces systemic inflammation by decreasing levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This is particularly relevant for patients with:
- Arthritis and osteoarthritis
- Chronic tendinitis
- Post-surgical inflammation
- Acute sports injuries
Clinical studies show a reduction in inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 after regular cryotherapy cycles.
3. Accelerated Sports Recovery
For athletes, cryotherapy is an extraordinary tool. It reduces delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) by 50-70% and accelerates the repair of muscular micro-injuries. Professional athletes worldwide use cryotherapy to:
- Recover faster between training sessions
- Reduce the risk of overuse injuries
- Maintain a higher training volume
In Mallorca, Europe’s number 1 sports destination, our sports medicine unit treats cyclists, triathletes, runners and tennis players who integrate cryotherapy into their recovery routine.
4. Improved Immune Function
Regular exposure to extreme cold stimulates the production of leucocytes and strengthens immune defences. Studies have shown that people who undergo regular cryotherapy sessions have:
- Higher numbers of T lymphocytes
- Increased Natural Killer cell activity
- Better immune response to infections
5. Anti-Ageing and Skin Benefits
Cryotherapy stimulates collagen production and improves microcirculation in the skin. Many patients notice firmer, more radiant skin after a course of sessions. The antioxidant effect of extreme cold also helps combat the free radicals responsible for cellular ageing.
6. Improved Mood and Sleep
The release of endorphins and noradrenaline during the session produces a natural mood-boosting effect. Patients with chronic stress, anxiety or sleep disorders report significant improvements. Cryotherapy acts as a nervous system “reset” that promotes:
- Better sleep quality
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Greater sense of overall well-being
- More energy during the day
7. Boosted Metabolism
A single cryotherapy session can increase basal metabolic rate for several hours. The body expends additional energy to restore body temperature, activating thermogenesis and brown fat burning. While not a substitute for exercise, it can complement a weight management programme.
Who Is Cryotherapy Suitable For?
Whole-body cryotherapy is suitable for a wide range of patients:
- Athletes seeking to optimise recovery and performance
- Chronic pain patients (back pain, neck pain, joint pain)
- People with inflammatory conditions (arthritis, fibromyalgia)
- Post-surgical patients to accelerate rehabilitation
- People with chronic stress or sleep problems
- Anyone interested in improving their general well-being
Contraindications: When NOT to Have Cryotherapy
Although cryotherapy is very safe, there are some absolute contraindications:
- Pregnancy
- Severe Raynaud’s disease
- Decompensated heart failure
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Active deep vein thrombosis
- Cold allergy (cold urticaria)
- Extensive open wounds
Before starting any cryotherapy protocol, we conduct a complete medical assessment to ensure the safety of the treatment.
Why Have Cryotherapy in Mallorca?
Our practice at Avinguda Mexico, 15, in Palma de Mallorca, offers a convenient location for residents and visitors alike. As a qualified sports scientist and active athlete, Dr. Diedrich understands the needs of both high-level athletes and people simply looking to improve their quality of life.
Cryotherapy at our practice is integrated into a conservative, multimodal therapeutic approach: we combine conventional and complementary medicine to achieve the best possible outcome, always with the goal of avoiding surgery when possible.
For the thousands of cyclists, triathletes and athletes who visit Mallorca each year, we offer a trilingual service (English, Spanish and German) that ensures seamless communication and treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cryotherapy
How many cryotherapy sessions are needed to notice results?
Most patients notice pain relief and improved well-being from the very first session. For sustained results, we recommend a course of 10-15 sessions at a frequency of 2-3 times per week. Athletes typically integrate regular sessions into their training schedule.
Is cryotherapy at -110°C painful?
It is not painful. You will feel intense cold that is tolerable during the 2-3 minute session. The dry air is much more comfortable than an ice bath. Most patients describe the experience as invigorating and energising, especially upon exiting the chamber.
Can cryotherapy replace anti-inflammatory medication?
In many cases, regular cryotherapy can significantly reduce the need for oral anti-inflammatory drugs, particularly in patients with chronic pain or joint inflammation. However, always consult your doctor before modifying any medication.
Is cryotherapy compatible with other treatments?
Absolutely. At our practice, we combine cryotherapy with shockwave therapy, PRP, acupuncture and physiotherapy. This multimodal approach addresses the problem from multiple angles, maximising results and accelerating recovery.
To find out how cryotherapy can help you, call us on +34 971 68 43 45 or book an appointment at our practice in Palma de Mallorca.
