Cryotherapy vs. ice baths

Both cryotherapy and ice baths involve exposing your body to cold temperatures, but how do they differ? And are there benefits to using one over the other? In this guide, we’ll dive into the key pros and cons of each practice, helping you decide which is the right one for your unique needs!

Cryotherapy vs. ice bath: what’s the difference?

Both ice baths and cryotherapy offer an array of shared health benefits, including reduced inflammation, temporary pain relief, and even boosted recovery after strenuous exercise. But is one better than the other? And what are the key distinctions between the two?

What are ice baths?

Ice baths involve submerging your body in cold water, usually set to temperatures between 10-15 degrees Celsius. Ice baths come in various different shapes and sizes, meaning they are customisable to your unique requirements.

Pros of ice baths

So, are ice baths actually good for you? Well, put simply, they certainly are! They are widely loved for being cost-effective and accessible, requiring minimal equipment yet still offering fantastic benefits.

Ice baths have been shown to reduce inflammation and improve circulation, combating muscle soreness and swelling, as well as providing temporary pain relief. What’s more is that they also have various mental benefits, including stress relief and increased alertness.

Cold plunging can also help you build mental resilience, for instance, when submerging yourself in extremely cold water, your natural instinct will be to jump straight out. However, with a bit of deep breathing, you’ll be able to overcome the challenge and remain submerged.

Another pro is that ice baths are customisable to your unique needs; for instance, you’re free to adjust the water temperature as well as decide exactly when to hop in and hop out.

Cons of ice baths

While there are various benefits, it’s important to highlight some of the cons associated with ice baths. The main con is that ice baths aren’t suitable for everyone, for instance, those with heart conditions, circulation issues, or blood pressure issues.

Equally, there’s the obvious risk of hypothermia, something that occurs when your core temperature drops below a certain level. So, although they offer various health benefits, it’s important you’re clued up on how to keep yourself safe when using one.

What is cryotherapy?

Alternatively, cryotherapy is a type of advanced cold therapy that involves using specialised equipment to expose your body to extremely cold temperatures (usually between -110 to -140 degrees Celsius). You’ll only be exposed for a short amount of time, typically between two and ten minutes.

Whole-body cryotherapy involves situating yourself in a cryotherapy chamber and exposing your body to extremely cold liquid nitrogen.

Pros of cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is a more advanced form of cold therapy, utilising specialised equipment to create extremely cold temperatures. Compared to ice baths, cryotherapy offers the opportunity for more controlled temperature regulation, therefore minimising the discomfort associated with immersing your body in freezing water.

Equally, you can rely on cryotherapy to offer a range of benefits. First things first, it’s loved by athletes of all kinds, who use it to speed up recovery time after exertion. The cold triggers a constriction of blood vessels, and then, once the body warms up again, blood surges to the skin and muscles, promoting speedy recovery.

Another benefit is that it has been shown to aid weight loss. For instance, after a cryotherapy session, your body will attempt to boost its core temperature, therefore triggering a metabolic response. Some studies have shown that the body can burn up to 800 calories in the 24-hour period following a cryotherapy session.

Cons of cryotherapy

While there are plenty of benefits, it’s also important to highlight the drawbacks associated with cryotherapy.

First of all, cryotherapy sessions typically come with a higher price tag, requiring you to visit a specialised facility to reap the benefits of cold exposure. Plus these facilities may not be available in all areas, meaning cryotherapy isn’t nearly as convenient as ice baths are.

The main safety considerations

As well as the benefits outlined, there are also potential risks associated with both cryotherapy and ice baths. As mentioned, the main concern with ice baths is the risk of hypothermia, so you’ll need to ensure you’re fully clued up on how to effectively use your tub for a safe and enjoyable experience.

To limit this risk, you’ll need to closely monitor the water temperature and avoid overexposure. Equally, if you have a medical condition such as heart disease, high or low blood pressure, or circulation issues, it’s vital to contact a healthcare professional before hopping in.

The same goes for cryotherapy, which may not be suitable for those with conditions such as Raynaud’s. So, either way, simply check with a qualified professional whether your preferred practice is appropriate for you.

Buy your first ice bath with Chill Tubs

So, there we have it: all the necessary insights on cryotherapy vs. ice baths. Both options offer intersecting health benefits, including reduced inflammation, muscle recovery, and even pain relief, but there are key differences between each method.

Ice baths are convenient and cost-effective, whereas cryotherapy provides the opportunity for more controlled temperatures, but it’s undeniably less convenient. So, it’s important to carefully consider which option aligns with your budget as well as your unique needs.

If you think an ice bath might be the perfect option for you, and you’re excited to reap the benefits of cold water therapy, why not check out the Chill Tubs range today?

Afterwards, it’s time to head over to the Chill Tubs blog for plenty more insightful guides. You can read about ice baths vs cold showers, as well as pregnancy and ice baths.