Whole-body cryotherapy in orthopaedics: current concepts

Area of Science:

• Orthopaedics
• Sports Medicine
• Physiology

Background:

• Whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) involves brief exposure to extremely low temperatures.
• WBC is increasingly utilized for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
• Its application for musculoskeletal ailments is expanding.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the physiological impacts of WBC across multiple body systems.
• To evaluate the efficacy of WBC in various orthopaedic conditions.
• To highlight the benefits, drawbacks, and clinical evidence of WBC.

Main Methods:

• Review of physiological effects on cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, hematologic, hormonal, and metabolic systems.
• Assessment of orthopaedic applications including fractures, osteoarthritis, and chronic pain.
• Evaluation of clinical evidence from existing studies.

Main Results:

• WBC shows promise in enhancing bone health, improving athletic recovery, and alleviating symptoms in conditions like osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia.
• Potential benefits include improved mood and well-being.
• Evidence for efficacy in chronic pain syndromes and osteomyelitis is less conclusive.

Conclusions:

• WBC presents significant potential benefits in orthopaedics, particularly for athletic performance and certain inflammatory conditions.
• Risks such as frostbite and potential muscle strength impairment exist.
• Further research is essential to standardize protocols and ascertain long-term effects for safe clinical application.