Whole Body Cryotherapy: Invented to Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis!

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. This creates inflammation that causes the tissue that lines the inside of joints—synovium- to thicken, resulting in swelling, pain, and reduced mobility in and around the joints.

If inflammation goes unchecked, it can damage cartilage, the elastic tissue that covers the ends of bones in a joint, as well as the bones themselves. Over time, cartilage is lost, and the joint space between the bones can narrow. Joints can become loose, unstable, painful, and lose their mobility. Joint deformity can also occur. Joint damage cannot be reversed, and because it can occur early, doctors recommend early diagnosis and aggressive treatment to control RA.

Symptoms:

1. Nodules—they can occur on the joints but also systemically in the lungs, cardiovascular system, and elsewhere. They are small pockets of inflammatory tissue. Methotrexate use increases the incidence of nodules.
2. Inflammation in the hands, feet, wrists, elbows, knees, and ankles. The joint effect tends to be symmetrical, so both joints will be affected.
3. RA can affect body systems such as the cardiovascular or respiratory systems. It is a systemic condition, so systemic inflammation is a symptom.
4. Numbness, tingling in hands and feet. Foot pain.
5. Decreased mobility in joints, stiffness, and locked joints.

RA creates systemic and localized inflammation, which is effectively addressed by whole-body cryotherapy. WBC triggers the fight-or-flight response — an autonomic response that causes the release of anti-inflammatory cytokines and analgesic (pain-relieving) biochemicals. WBC is indicated for RA because it reduces inflammation throughout the body, including vital organs and the brain.

WBC also inhibits collagenase, an enzyme that breaks down collagen. Collagenase production is triggered by inflammation, which WBC actively combats. Collagen is a major component of cartilage. Inflammation associated with RA diminishes cartilage in joints—so by rebuilding collagen reserves, cartilage is repaired, potentially reversing some of the damage caused by RA.

Local cryotherapy is indicated for treating RA nodules and all inflamed joints. Local cryotherapy should be used in addition to WBC as it will directly target areas of painful inflammation that cause stiffness, immobility, and pain. Local cryotherapy directly reduces localized inflammation—halting collagenase production and cartilage destruction.

Compression therapy is the tertiary treatment for RA foci. Once WBC and local cryotherapy treatments have reduced inflammation, compression can aid in lymphatic drainage and detoxification. Compression therapy should be applied to localized inflammation.

At ChillRx, we provide our RA clients with a formalized treatment plan to address their specific symptoms. RA is a spectrum—some clients experience severe symptoms which require intensive cryotherapy intervention; other clients can get away with less frequency and less intensity. ChillRx also offers a Severe Inflammation Protocol for the rapid reduction of systemic and localized inflammation.

ChillRx Rheumatoid Arthritis clients experience significant symptom suppression and a welcome return to a full, active lifestyle. Please check out our client testimonials to learn how whole-body cryotherapy at ChillRx can improve your life!