By: Joy Stephenson-Laws, Founder, Proactive Health Labs

The beauty of the Internet is that we have access to all sorts of information, including information about health-related issues. The problem is that sometimes people do not always get their information from credible sources. As a result, misinformation can result.

Take, for example, an online discussion regarding a recent article by a pH approved company. This article discusses whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) and how it is not only good for recovery after playing sports but may also be good for prepping the body for athletic activity.

WBC is a process in which you stand in a chamber filled with dry ice for three minutes in temperatures (usually below negative 200 degrees fahrenheit). 

The theory behind cryotherapy is that freezing temperature experienced by your body sends signals to the brain which in turn triggers an emergency or survival mode. This causes the body to constrict the blood flow in the outer layers and send the blood supply to the innermost vital organs. 

While in this “emergency survival mode,” the body strives to protect the more critical organs like the heart and cares less about the extremities like the fingers. All of the body’s resources are activated. The body’s ability to self heal is enhanced, because your blood is being enriched with additional oxygen, hormones, enzymes and nutrients - all of which are needed to survive under the extreme emergency created by the cryotherapy. Once you leave the cold environment, the newly enriched and less-toxic blood is flushed back into the rest of the body.

The benefits of cryotherapy have been backed by a number of credible sources such as Frontiers in Physiology and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). But some readers concluded that cryotherapy was not good for the body and prevents healing.

To back up these beliefs, this article by one Dr. Gabe Mirkin was cited. Dr. Mirkin purportedly specializes in sports medicine. He discussed ice therapy (not cryotherapy) and concluded that it may delay recovery from sports injuries. Dr. Mirkin basically argues that applying ice prevents inflammatory cells from allowing them to do their job.

“The inflammatory cells called macrophages release a hormone called Insulin-like growth Factor (IGF-1) into the damaged tissues, which helps muscles and other injured parts to heal. However, applying ice to reduce swelling actually delays healing by preventing the body from releasing IGF-1,” the article states.

He further stated that ice may decrease pain but it also delays healing. He also argues that applying ice may reduce an athlete’s strength, speed, endurance and coordination. However, the studies he references, (which might I add are based on less recent research), say that applying ice for more than 20 minutes is when an athlete may experience significant loss of quality performance. So the length of the cold therapy is critical. WBC usually lasts no more than 3 minutes.

So here you have a situation where a reader concludes that cryotherapy is bad and backing this claim up with an outdated article discussing ice therapy for more than 20 minutes. The reliance is clearly misplaced.

Cryotherapy and ice therapy are not the same.

Although cryotherapy and ice therapy are both forms of cold therapy, they are very different from one another.

Ice baths, a method of ice therapy, are usually what people may compare cryotherapy to. But ice baths usually last longer (15 to 20 minutes) than a standard cryotherapy session which is two to three minutes.

“In whole body cryotherapy the chambers are filled with dry mist of air obtained from liquid nitrogen with the temperatures ranging from -200 to -240 degrees. The dry cold air does not affect the body muscles since the cold only penetrates ½ mm into the skin,” according to one source.

“In ice bath icy water used is cold wet, this normally results in muscle congealment. The muscles then lose elasticity becoming immobile. The wetness from the icy water waterlogs the skin leading to skin irritation, redness and damage of the skin sensory structures.”

So as you can see, there is a major difference between the two.

Cryotherapy & Inflammation.

Acute inflammation is a perfectly normal and healthy immune response. For example, when we burn our tongue on a hot cup of coffee, whack our knee against the stair banister or have a sports injury, the pain and swelling we may feel is a result of inflammation. Luckily, this inflammation is usually short-lived and our bodies heal and then go back to normal. Acute inflammation actually helps the body fight off infections.

Chronic inflammation, hence the name, is inflammation that is not short-lived. It may last weeks  or even years. And you can have chronic inflammation and not feel any pain at all. You can read more about the two different types of inflammation, here.

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), (a very credible medical source), “Cryotherapy is often an effective treatment for the acute inflammation caused by musculoskeletal injury with decrease pain and more rapid ‘return-to-participation.’”

And then there is the recent and credible evidence which suggests that cryotherapy may not only be good for sports recovery but also good for preparing an athlete to get back in the game.

Nutrition, Pain & Sports Performance.

Along with getting regular whole-body cryotherapy sessions, proper nutrition is a great way to manage pain and enable your body to perform at its best physically. Read here to learn about nutrients for pain and here for nutrients that aid in exercise/sports performance and recovery.

Lastly, take routine nutrient tests in order to identify any nutrient imbalances or deficiencies that you may have. If the test reveals you have too much or too little of a specific nutrient, a competent healthcare professional can work with you on making the necessary dietary changes and recommend quality supplements if necessary.

Enjoy your healthy life!

The pH professional health care team includes recognized experts from a variety of health care and related disciplines, including physicians, attorneys, nutritionists, nurses and certified fitness instructors. This team also includes the members of the pH Medical Advisory Board, which constantly monitors all pH programs, products and services. To learn more about the pH Medical Advisory Board, click here.

By: Kyle Laws

For years, we have focused on the recovery benefits of whole body cryotherapy (WBC). In an earlier blog, we even talked about one of the world’s greatest athletes - LeBron James. He uses whole body cryotherapy to recover after his games.

We reported that whole body cryotherapy “speeds up injury recovery, relieves pain and soreness, reduces lactic acid, helps inflammation, decreases spasms, releases endorphins and improves range of motion (since it loosens muscles that were tight or sore, which is a common issue for NBA players as they go through a rigorous 82-game season).”

But I recently came across an article which suggests that whole body cryotherapy may also have the potential to enhance athletic preparation for competition. This peaked my interest so I figured I would share the source of the article and I was happy to discover the source was credible. The article was published recently in August 2019 by Frontiers in Physiology.

Here is what the article concluded:

“Whole-body cryotherapy has generally been used within a recovery setting after competition or strenuous training for athletes, and in clinical settings for the general population. However, the acute hormonal, anti-inflammatory, perceptual and psychological responses yielded by a single, or repeated, bouts of WBC indicate that this practice could enhance an athlete’s competition readiness when used alongside traditional elements of active warm-ups in the hours before competition in addition to aiding recovery in the hours after.”

Some examples of physiological changes caused by WBC which may enable athletes to be in a greater state of readiness for competition?

• Higher testosterone levels play a role in providing strength for athletic performance. “Salivary testosterone levels in elite female athletes have been associated with an individual’s natural desire to compete and motivation in training and readiness for competition . . . WBC exposure has the potential to elicit acute exercise-like effects in hormone concentrations following exposure, which could partly explain the benefits of this intervention.”

• In men, a single bout of WBC “undertaken within 20 min of repeated sprint exercise elevated free testosterone levels by 28% for 24 h peaking at 2 h post-cryotherapy compared with a control group .” Similarly, “serum testosterone in elite male tennis players increased by 13% over a 2-week period of twice daily WBC exposure .”

• There are other potential benefits reported such as a possible reduction in cortisol and greater psychological well being prior to competition.

More studies need to be done but these findings are promising. What we do know is that whole body cryotherapy has the potential to be a game changer especially when it comes to competitive sports. You are likely to gain an advantage if you utilize WBC as a way to prepare for competition.

All this should be good news to our clients. Cold therapy is a credible way to address many of the issues we have and it helps if we educate ourselves so that we can take advantage of these modalities. All this allows us to create a better version of ourselves.

By: Kyle Laws, General Manager

As the Cryo T-Shock Master Technician here at Chiltonic, I get asked tons of questions about this procedure. Some of these questions were answered in an earlier blog at https://www.chiltonic.com/blog/cryo-t-shock-frequently-asked-questions.

I will take the time to share with you many of the recent questions I have been asked as well as my usual answers. Feel free to send me any questions I have not addressed and I will do my best to answer them for you. Better yet, you can visit our locations for a demonstration of the Cryo T-Shock process including a free evaluation.

1. How does the Cryo T-Shock work?

Cryo T Shock is a cryogenic and thermogenic treatment to remove cellulite and undesired fat. Cryo T-Shock also provides Slimming and Toning. By alternating warm and cold at different times, temperatures and sequences, the T-Shock can perform a myriad of functions.  These fat cells are destroyed without any damage to the skin. The destroyed cells are then naturally passed through the body’s lymphatic system and excreted through sweat and urine. Excretion of the fat cells usually occurs within days to weeks following the treatment.

According to cryo-generation , “Where the application of cold alone — as in cryoliposis — has been shown to break down fat cells which can contribute to the unsightly appearance of cellulite, thermal shock goes a step further in eliminating the cells from the body through lymphatic drainage for more immediate and effective results. Using alternating cycles of hot and cold, thermal shock kills fat cells and reverses the signs of cellulite by increasing blood flow and circulation, stimulating the production of collagen, and improving overall skin elasticity.”

2. How does the Cryo T-Shock treatment feel?

The treatment is usually painless. Remember the treatment utilizes a massage technique. Some sessions begin with a skin warming session which then descends into a gradual decrease of temperature. Some clients describe it as rather pleasant and actually fall asleep.

3. What are the benefits of the Cryo T-Shock treatment?

1. Fat Loss. The most obvious benefit based on how the technology works is fat loss. Regular treatments will usually cause a reduction in fat cells and the results will be measurable and visible fat loss.

2. Firmer & Tighter Skin. Anti-aging benefits such as skin firmness or tightness are other benefits of the T-Shock technology. It has been used to help with micro circulation and a significant increase in collagen and elastin production while tightening muscles.

3. Therapeutic Benefits. Perhaps more important than the beauty aspect of the T-Shock technology are the therapeutic effects. Because the technology has the ability to provide both cold and heat massage treatments, it is very effective to reduce constipation, pain and inflammation, increase or reduce circulation and reduce water retention and bloating. Here at Chiltonic, we have utilized the therapeutic settings of this machine to provide these benefits to our clients. And the good news is that we are able to adjust the size of the wand to deliver the therapy to both small or large body parts such as the face, neck, elbows, eye area, back, arms, thighs, joints etc.

4. Anti Aging. This setting is particularly important for men and women over 35. It allows prevention and recovery from the signs of aging (wrinkles, lines, skin laxity, skin spots, etc).

5. Face Lift. This feature is for anyone who wants to quickly obtain a smoother, radiant, luminous, toned skin. We refer to it as the “Red Carpet” facial before a special event.

6. Cuperous Skin. This application addresses Rosacea - a condition that causes redness and often small, red, pus-filled bumps on the face.

7. Acne Treatment. Blending or Clearing – For the treatment of Acne

8. Drainage/Water Retention. This is valuable for clients suffering from Edema, Heavy Legs, Slow Metabolism. Women who have had breast cancer surgery with lymph node removal usually have problems diffusing fluid in arms and abdomen. We have been successful in addressing these issues with our therapeutic massages using this technology..

9. Muscle Relaxation. Helps with tight muscles in legs, neck or back.

4. Is Cryo -Shock the same as cool sculpting?

No. There are many differences between the two procedures.

• First there is the difference in how both procedures feel. During the coolsculpting procedure you may experience sensations of pulling, itching, tugging, mild pinching, aching and cramping at the treatment site due to vacuum technology. Treatments can last anywhere between 35 minutes to 2 hours. Paradoxical hyperplasia (visibly enlarged tissue volume in the treated area) may develop two to five months after treatment and requires surgical intervention for correction.

• Cryo T-Shock has a technician present during the entire procedure. We apply a non-active ingredient gel to the stubborn area for all treatments. The technician controls an ultrasound-like wand over the gel, ensuring that each part of the treatment site is warming/cooling to the pre-set temperature. The preset temperatures are created to either bring circulation to the area or freeze fat cells to the point of apoptosis. There is also a histogram being monitored during the entire session that shows real-time progression of temperatures; This helps prevent any damage to the muscle beneath the skin/fat being treated. Treatments can last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour for a single section. The side effects from this treatment may be numbing, redness, itching, and raised skin for up to 24 hours. Cryo T- Shock treatments usually feel like a cold or warm massage without aches and cramps.

• In my opinion, the use of the vacuum technique to create suction of the tissue area being addressed makes the coolsculpting procedure unable to distinguish between fat tissue and muscle tissue and this may affect the results. With T Schock, we utilize utilize Encapsulated Liquid Crystal plates to locate fat precisely. This way we are able to target various types of fats and monitor the results.

• Unlike cryo T-Shock, coolsculpting may be difficult to perform on certain body parts such as the face and joints. Furthermore, the therapeutic benefits associated with coolsculpting may not be present with coolsculpting because of the inability to deliver hot as well as cold temperatures.

• Finally, according to the coolsculpting website the cost can range anywhere from 2000 - 4000 per treatment. Cryo T Shock treatments are usually between 250 - 350 per treatment. The cost of coolsulpting the stomach is approximately 1500 and many times 2 treatments are necessary.

So in my opinion, coolsculpting is more expensive, limited and not precise about targeting where fat is located. For more on how we evaluate and locate troublesome body fat read here.

5. What can clients do to ensure maximum results from T-shock?

• Maintain good dietary habits

• Drink sufficient water

• Participate in light physical activity during recovery from the treatment

• On the day of treatment a vigorous workout for at least 30 minutes after the treatment will facilitate lymphatic drainage and quicker results

• Whole Body Cryotherapy immediately after the treatment to promote lymphatic drainage

6. Are there people who cannot get T Shock?

Yes. People with the following issues should avoid T-shock:

• Kidney disease

• Infected areas of the skin

• Cancerous areas

• Active chemotherapy

• Dialysis

• Pregnancy

• Severe diabetes where sensation has been lost in the extremities.

Finally, T-Shock facial applications should not be used on clients who have had botox treatments within 14 days or filler treatments within 30 days.

7. And here is a question we get asked all the time: Explain again how I can get my face to look firm and rejuvenated with this treatment?

For this response, we quote directly from cryo-generation which utilizes credible research to support this technology.

“Skin ages due to a reduction in collagen and elastin. By increasing oxygen and nutrient supply to the tissue, thermal shock promotes a more youthful appearance. When applied to the face and neck, consistently, this contrast therapy stimulates the production of collagen and improves skin elasticity, effectively smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles. Other benefits include: reducing puffiness around the eyes, give the impression of reduced pore size on the face and neck while lessening inflammation. Not to mention that while skin vessels and capillaries undergo a period of vasoconstriction to break down toxins stored in skin layers; an alternating cycle of vasodilation efficiently expels the toxins from the body. This process paves the way for healthy skin cells to emerge for a taut, more supple appearance of facial skin.”

By: Kyle Laws, Chiltonic General Manager

We have already discussed the human benefits of cryotherapy. But did you know that dogs can benefit from using cryotherapy?

Remember local cryotherapy exposes portions of the body to extreme cold for a short period of time. It is an incredible way to realize the benefits of cryotherapy on certain sections of the body like the hip, shoulders, legs, tails and stomach of the dog.

Unfortunately, they too have surgeries and need to recover quickly. Allergies can sometimes cause excessive licking and ‘hot spots.’ And yes, they may not be able to talk but we know when they are in pain.

Our 20 minute localized cryotherapy treatment is known to increase blood circulation, reduce pain and swelling as well as hot spots. These are all issues that plague our furry friends.

There is objective evidence that dogs with skin irritations respond well to cryotherapy treatments. The treatment reduces symptoms and is usually well tolerated by canine patients.

So if your dog has been injured, is recovering from certain surgeries or has any of the issues we identified above, consider visiting us. Our canine clients look forward to this form of therapy and actually enjoy it.

We just came across this video clip of a CBS news segment which further describe this practice. You might want to take a look.

If you are a pet owner, you understand that a happy dog means a happy life. So visit us and give it a try!

Your dog will thank you.

By: Joy Stephenson- Laws, phLabs Founder

There have been quite a few studies this year that have reported benefits associated with cryotherapy treatments. Many Chiltonic clients have reported experiencing these benefits. Some have confided that they have made Chiltonic their ‘pain recovery home’ because the benefits have been significant. One client recently admitted weaning herself off opioids using cryotherapy. However, it is always good to actually see credible information from reputable sources reporting the results of various studies which independently confirm these benefits.

Here are a few studies in 2019 that we came across. If you find more, let us know in the comments section below because we always like to confirm our belief in this form of therapy.

• In April 2019, the National Institutes of Health reported the results of a study confirming that whole body cryotherapy and physical exercise training was an effective therapy for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). They concluded that the “introduction of WBC into the standard physiotherapy protocol for patients with MS is fully justified.”

• Also in April 2019, the National Institutes of Health reported that there was some evidence that cryotherapy may be effective in reducing pain following certain dental procedures.

• In August 2019, the National Institutes of Health suggested that WBC had the potential to enhance the performance of athletes in competition. They concluded the following: “It appears that the physiological responses associated with acute and/or chronic exposure to WBC can elicit effects that could promote athletic performance when employed before competitive events. The potentiating effects of hormonal changes, reductions in body temperatures and perceived soreness and fatigue, all point to the potential of WBC as a warm-up activity.”

• In March 2019, the National Institutes of Health reported that cryotherapy can reduce postoperative pain in patients who underwent gynecologic surgery.

These are all significant and objective observations which confirm the reports from many of the clients we speak to at Chiltonic. Share your experiences with cryotherapy treatments? Has it helped your pain any? Let us have a conversation.

By: Kyle Laws, Chiltonic General Manager

September is Pain Awareness Month!

It is a time when many  organizations work to “raise public awareness of issues in the area of pain and pain management.”  

We are keenly aware of the debilitating effects of pain here at Chiltonic because many of our clients visit us to relieve pain. For example, our clients utilize Whole Body Cryotherapy and spot cryotherapy treatments to relieve their pain and inflammation. And now we are so excited to announce that we recently added one more modality to manage pain at Chiltonic . We have added Cryo & Thermal massages.

Normally when we hear about massages, we think about swedish, deep tissue or sports massage where the massage therapist uses his or her bare hands to provide the services.  These types of massages are fairly effective. The goal is usually to relax the muscles, improve circulation, relieve pain, maintain flexibility, prevent injury, help recovery and relieve tension in the body.  And sometimes the deeper the massage, the more painful it can be. So here is an instance where we may be trying to relieve pain but the process we use to do it may cause some pain.

Massage technology has significantly evolved and now we are able to provide even more effective massage results using a handheld device - a special wand which delivers hot and/or cold massages.  A well trained massage technician can use this wand to rub or knead the muscles and other soft tissues and produce incredible results, like pain relief without the added pain of certain deep tissue massages

We previously discussed how effective hot and cold therapy can be for pain.  Here at Chiltonic, our ability to provide these specialized massages to our clients using a special wand has resulted in significant pain improvement. Massages are great to relieve pain and discomfort and there are many scientific studies to support the effectiveness. I took the time to educate myself and read a few articles with scientific support about pain and massages. They discuss how we can reduce pain effectively using massages as well as nutrition. You might find these helpful as well.

For this reason, we are extending a special offer to all our clients during the month of September.

Chiltonic is offering a 15% discount on all pain related services. These services include whole body cryotherapy, cryo spot treatments as well as our recent addition of cryo and thermal massages.

Learn more about these services and visit us in Encinitas and La Jolla to experience these alternatives to traditional pain therapy.

By: Kyle Laws, Chiltonic General Manager

Lately, I have received many questions about my involvement in the cryotherapy business as well as the services we offer here in the San Diego area.  This is my attempt to respond to these questions. I will try to respond to all your questions on our blog page here at least monthly. 

1. How did you become involved in the cryotherapy business?

I probably owe cryotherapy my life and I am not kidding.  To make a long story short, I was extremely overweight at one point in my life. I decided to get healthy and it required that I lose about 105 pounds.  The process required that I eat a balanced diet and do a lot of physical activity. There is really no shortcutting the process. Getting healthy by losing weight involves both nutrition and increased activity.  And with increased activity comes soreness and pain. Some days, it was difficult to get out of bed or be motivated to keep moving because of the soreness. So I had to find something to reduce the pain and discomfort from working out.  That is when I discovered cryotherapy and Chiltonic. I visited that place every day! The results were insane. I was able to recover from the soreness quickly and do the amount of work necessary to be more active and lose the weight.  But I also experienced other benefits like the endorphin rush they talk about after each session as well as a significant improvement in my depression. I became so impressed with the therapy that I decided to become one of the business owners and work there.  It is one of my missions in life to ensure that everyone is properly educated about cryotherapy because it helped to get me through one of the toughest and most unhealthy times of my life. 

2. What is Chiltonic?

Chiltonic was the very first Cryotherapy center in the San Diego area. It was founded by local San Diego residents, Mark Meisenbach and Matthew Bergman in 2014. It offers various cryotherapy services including whole body cryotherapy, cryo massages, cryo facials as well as  cryo spot treatments. 

Chiltonic currently hosts Proactive Health Labs, (pHLabs),  a public non-profit organisation, in its Encinitas location. This allows pHLabs to provide low cost health education and services to the San Diego area.

3. What is cryotherapy? 

The actual meaning of the word ‘cryotherapy’ is cold treatment.  Cryo means ‘cold’ and therapy means ‘treatment.’

4.     Is cryotherapy the same thing as using an ice pack to reduce swelling (like when I go to the dentist and get my wisdom tooth pulled)? 

Good question.  You will generally have swelling after you get dental implants or your wisdom tooth pulled.  Sometimes the swelling will last for days. Usually to minimize the swelling, the dentist will recommend that you go home and apply an ice pack to the cheek adjacent to the swollen area to reduce the swelling.  And yes, ice packs are considered a form of cold treatment or cryotherapy.  

5.    I  am an athlete and I usually get into an ice bath to help me recover faster. Is that the type of cold therapy or cryotherapy that Chiltonic offers at its centers?     

Chiltonic does not use ice baths.  Chiltonic uses liquid nitrogen in a special sauna - sometimes referred to as a cryosauna or cryogenic chamber. These saunas ensure that the proper treatment conditions such as temperature conditions and humidity are maintained.. They are safe and painless because the cold temperatures caused by the liquid nitrogen only affects the outer layers of skin. The procedure is completely dry and does not make the skin wet like ice baths. This is what is referred to as Whole Body Cryotherapy (WBC).

Ice baths are also not as comfortable as the cryosauna and the temperature of the ice bath does not get as cold.  And then there is the issue of convenience. Ice baths are usually prescribed for at least 10-15 minutes. Cryotherapy is usually only 2-3 minutes. 

6.  Exactly how does whole body cryotherapy work? 

The theory behind whole body cryotherapy is that extremely cold (freezing) temperatures send signals to the brain which triggers an emergency or survival mode.  Some describe the process as the body being tricked into thinking that it is dying and goes into survival mode. When the body goes into survival mode, it protects the vital organs and functions like the heart. The blood flow is constricted or reduced to the outer layers like the skin in order to keep the innermost vital organs safe.  When the body is in this emergency survival mode, all the body’s resources are activated and its ability to self heal is enhanced because your blood is being enriched with additional nutrients, hormones, enzymes and oxygen which are needed to survive in emergencies. Once you leave the cold environment created by the cryotherapy and the body realizes it is not dying, the blood vessels open up (dilate) and the newly enriched blood is flushed back into the rest of the body. 

7.  So  are there scientifically supported health benefits of cryotherapy?.

There are quite a few studies which support the health benefits of whole body cryotherapy.  Many of those studies are recent. Here are a few supported benefits:

• Reduced inflammation in professional athletes while they are recovering from sports related injuries.

• Reduced oxidative stress in male patients with inflammatory arthritis of the large joints and spine

• Balanced cortisol levels which may improve energy and mood

• Reduction of depressive symptoms and improved functional status for multiple sclerosis patients

• Increased energy levels 

• Improved pain

And there are other reported benefits which may not be entirely scientifically supported yet like  weight loss, cancer, dementia and anxiety. Some people experience a ‘high’ or endorphin boost after cryotherapy. 

8.  How many cryotherapy sessions does Chiltonic recommend?

20 consecutive sessions is the minimum for effective evaluation according to the National Institutes of Health.  30 sessions should be optimal to allow optimal boost of the immune system. 

Just remember that cryotherapy is most effective when it is used as a relatively continuous treatment. It will help even more if it is used in conjunction with some other program like physical therapy or sports rehabilitation. The number of sessions may also depend on how severe your condition is. 

9. Can people get hurt in the cryo chamber or cryosauna?

When you are in the cryo chamber the entire body from the neck down is immersed in sub-zero temperatures - usually below negative 100 degrees Farenheit with the help of liquid nitrogen. Remember that extreme cold can cause frostbite which is an injury caused by freezing the skin as well as the tissues underneath the skin. 

Frostbite is most common on the fingers and toes and will occur if proper protective devices are not worn in the cryo chamber. 

At the risk of being technical, peripheral vasoconstriction is the body’s natural response to exposure to cold temperatures. It restricts the heat transfer from the vital or core organs to the environment through the skin. In other words, the body is trying to retain optimal heat and preserve the functioning of the critical/core organs like the heart and liver.  The skin is relatively less important to the body for survival at this point which is why the extremities are usually the first to get damaged or frostbitten.

To understand all this better - the opposite happens in warm temperatures.  Those same blood vessels which constrict in cold temperatures will usually widen or dilate in warmer temperatures and this increases the flow of blood to the skin surface.  This allows heat to leave the body in order to keep the body cooler. This is called vasodilation. So now you have learned two technical cryotherapy phrases - vasoconstriction and vasodilation.  

So in order to protect the more temperature sensitive tissues such as hands and feet, all our clients here at Chiltonic wear dry socks, slippers, and gloves in the chamber.

You may have recently read the story about Raiders wide receiver, Anotonio Brown’s frostbite during a cryotherapy session. He did not protect his feet while undergoing the cryotherapy procedure and he experienced “extreme frostbite” in the chamber. 

It is also important to wear dry socks and underwear in the chamber to prevent ice formation. 

You should always be supervised when entering the machine and have your head out of the chamber.  Here at Chiltonic, we stress that the client have regular contact with the therapist while in the chamber to ensure they are tolerating the process safely. 

10. Are there any health conditions which would affect your ability to do cryotherapy?

There are some legitimate medical warnings you should look out for. it could have adverse effects on patients with pre-existing conditions such as:

• Unchecked high blood pressure

• Heart and lung disease

• Poor circulation - exposure to extreme cold can make this much worse

• Allergies that are triggered by cold

• Patients who have had bouts of neuropathy

• Open wounds

• Pregnancy

• Blood vessel diseases

Hopefully you now have a better understanding of whole body cryotherapy. Next time we will discuss localized cryotherapy treatment which are usually used for acute injury scenarios like sprains, edema, post surgical pain etc. In the meantime, keep sending me your questions or visit us for an in-person demonstration. 

By: Joy Stephenson-Laws, pH Labs Founder

Tummy issues. We all experience them whether they are due to fat, indigestion, heartburn, menstrual pain, bloating or constipation. But many of us never consider massage therapy as a viable option to relieve our stomach woes. Perhaps we should - especially a combination of cold and heat massages which may be highly effective.

There is actually credible evidence suggesting that abdominal massage therapy may provide  relief from  issues such as indigestion, bloating, gas, excess fat  and constipation.  Appropriate massage therapy can increase circulation, make the stomach muscles relax and reduce stress that may exacerbate these issues.

For example, a 2018 study suggested that  abdominal massages may improve the gastrointestinal functions of certain patients in intensive care. “It is suggested to use abdominal massage as an adjunct therapy for improving gastrointestinal functions in intensive care patients.”

Another study in 2015 concluded that abdominal massages may be useful to stimulate “lymph return to the venous system and reduce ascites-related symptoms.”

There is even credible evidence that abdominal massages may reduce menstrual pain, bloating  and constipation.

And the good news is that you can reap the benefits of abdominal massages from a fairly recent technology on the market called the Cryo T-Shock which does not rely on the bare hands of the technician to deliver the benefits. Cryo T-Shock uses a handheld device controlled by the technician to massage the stomach area using a combination of cold and hot temperatures. The changes in temperature boosts circulation and reduces various symptoms including bloating and constipation.  When set at lower temperatures, this procedure may also reduce the size of the abdomen by destroying fat cells.

I frequently use this procedure to improve and enhance the circulation in my abdomen and reduce the likelihood of water retention.

While the treatment definitely feels cold (we’re talking somewhere in the neighborhood of 0 -8 degrees Celsius), it isn’t uncomfortable at all. And it certainly was not painful. In fact the wand used to deliver the therapy feels relaxing and I usually doze off for a short while during the treatment. I am usually in and out after about 35 minutes and am able to return to work, play golf  and continue my day productively.

Visit Chiltonic in Encinitas and La Jolla for more information about the CryoT-Shock. You can also visit pHLabs in Sherman Oaks to get more information.

By: Joy Stephenson-Laws, pH Labs Founder

Many people have surgeries performed while vacationing abroad.

“Patients who travel to another country to seek health care are referred to as medical tourists. The term arose because many Americans seek less expensive elective surgical, dental, or cosmetic procedures while vacationing abroad,” according to a study published in The American Journal of Medicine.

This study reports that in 2017, more than 1.4 million Americans sought health care in “a variety of countries around the world.”

Many of these Americans are not exactly getting health-related care per se. They are getting cosmetic procedures, including liposuction, tummy tucks, Brazillian butt lifts and more.

But while it may be cheaper to receive certain healthcare overseas, the “price” some people end up paying may not be worth it. 

“Patients traveling to developing countries for plastic surgery procedures may experience severe complications—requiring extensive and costly treatment after they return to the United States,” reports the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Some of these complications may include pain, surgical site infections and issues with wound healing. And, unfortunately, for some people it ends up costing them their lives.

Take, for example, the recent story of a mother and school teacher named Alicia Williams. She traveled to the Dominican Republic where she reportedly had multiple cosmetic procedures, including liposuction on her arm, a tummy tuck and a Brazillian butt lift.  

(The Dominican Republic has few restrictive rules on the number of surgeries you can get at once).

Williams was anemic. Basically, anemia is a blood disorder in which a person does not have enough red blood cells or their red blood cells do not function properly. There are different types of anemia, and the kind you have likely heard of is iron-deficiency anemia. A low level of iron in the blood is a major risk factor for developing blood clots.  

Reports say that Williams lost a lot of blood due to having multiple surgeries, and then she later died from blood clots. Williams was initially hospitalized after her surgeries, because she felt very weak from the procedures. She died only five days after her surgeries. She was just 45. 

Sadly, there are multiple stories such as the one about Alicia Williams with medical tourists getting cosmetic procedures abroad and losing their lives.

Just this past June, a man from New York died after getting liposuction in the Dominican Republic. Reportedly, he died of respiratory distress. 

And according to another news story from this past July, “...New York mother, 33-year-old Alexandra Medina, died on the operating table of a pulmonary embolism at a clinic in Santo Domingo after undergoing liposuction and tummy tuck surgery.” 

There was yet another incident back in 2018 where an American woman reportedly died after going to Mexico for breast implant replacement and a nose job. She passed from complications with anesthesia. 

It’s not only tragic, but frightening to see these stories. And you can do a simple Google search of “medical tourism” and find many more.  

Obviously, I don’t recommend medical tourism for anyone unless they work with an independent and qualified local medical professional. But individuals should also be aware of less invasive procedures available to improve their appearance.

For example, there are some instances where instead of liposuction, a tummy tuck or a face lift, utilization of Cryo T-Shock treatments may be helpful to improve appearance.

The Cryo T-Shock involves the use of a very innovative technology which identifies exactly where troublesome fat is located and delivers alternating “thermal shocks” of thermography (heat therapy) and cryotherapy (cold therapy). It is more frequently utilized for its ability to destroy fat cells and cellulite as well as sculpt the face and body. Cryotherapy hyper stimulates the skin and tissue which speeds up the cellular activities and immediately improves the appearance of the skin by tightening it. Cryotherapy also causes the blood vessels and capillaries to expand by up to 400%. This also contributes to improved skin appearance due to increased circulation and permeability of the skin.  

Many people compare Cryo T-Shock to Cool Sculpting, but they are very different procedures. Cool Scullpting is more expensive and usually only available for fat loss. Unlike Cryo T-Shock, Cool Sculpting is not available for skin tightening, facials, lymphatic drainage, pain relief or cellulite reduction. 

So How Does Cryo T-Shock Work?

Certain treatments, like the body contouring, usually last for about 30- 60 minutes and are done manually employing a massage technique. The session usually “begins with 2 minutes of heat and then a prolonged period of cold (22-26 minutes) and then back to heat for another 2-3 minutes.”

“The purpose of the treatment is to lower the temperature of the fat cells enough to cause what is known as the phenomenon of apoptosis. This phenomenon is triggered when the temperature of the fat tissue is between 12 and 17 C which causes these cells to die. The cells are then naturally passed through the body’s lymphatic system and excreted through sweat and urine,” according to Chiltonic, a cryotherapy clinic. 

Cryo T-shock treatments are reportedly safe, painless and effective. This treatment may jumpstart your weight loss efforts, reduce cellulite, improve circulation, tighten saggy skin and remove stubborn areas of fat.  

“It has also been proven to help with micro circulation and a significant increase in collagen due to the thermal shock that is caused by the hot and cold,” says Chilltonic.

Cryo T-Shock facials help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and promote collagen production in the skin. In my opinion, this facial is a better option over getting an invasive face lift that has a high risk of complications.

Treatments like the Cryo T-Shock produce more natural looking results. (We’ve all seen what can happen when someone has too many invasive cosmetic procedures). 

And remember, nothing can compensate for leading a healthy and active lifestyle. Along with considering T-Shock treatments, remember it is always good to eat healthily (as in a nutrient-rich diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables), be physically active and manage your stress levels in order to maintain your looks and health as you age. If you take these proactive steps, the better results you will see from Cryo T-Shock treatments. 

There are also contraindications.

Individuals with the following conditions should avoid Cryo T-shock treatment:

• Kidney disease or if receiving dialysis

• Pregnant women

• Severe diabetes

• Undergoing chemotherapy

Proactive Health Labs endorses these safe alternatives to healthily identify and remove fat and look our best. Visit us in Sherman Oaks and Encinitas to experience the Cryo T-shock. It is extremely important that we all take the time to identify safe available cosmetic procedures and avoid riskier ones, so we can be safe and enjoy our healthy lives!

By: Joy Stephenson-Laws, pH Labs Founder

If you are breathing, chances are you have experienced some type of physical pain in your life whether it be due to injury or having some type of chronic health condition such as arthritis or fibromyalgia. 

Pain can be intense and really affects the quality of your life. Some even say it may be “better to die once and for all than to suffer pain for all one's life.”

Unfortunately, according to recent data, chronic pain affects 20 percent of Americans. More specifically, there are 50 million Americans with chronic pain and 20 million with high-impact pain. 

And despite “decades of research, chronic pain remains poorly understood and notoriously hard to control,” (WebMD).

Sometimes pain is managed with highly addictive drugs called opioids. Now opioids have contributed to a drug epidemic in America.

So clearly it’s important for us all to be proactive about pain management and explore credible  alternative therapies to alleviate pain.Two pain relieving therapies are cryotherapy and thermography. 

Cryotherapy (cold therapy)

You are probably very familiar with applying an ice pack on a rolled ankle to reduce swelling or maybe on an injured knee. This is a form of cold therapy. Cryotherapy,  sometimes referred to as cold therapy, has become a pretty popular treatment for pain these days.

(With certain  injuries, the general treatment routine usually falls under “R.I.C.E.,” rest, ice, compression, elevation). 

Many star athletes, including LeBron James and Rafael Nadal use cryotherapy (particularly whole body cryotherapy (WBC)) to speed up injury recovery, reduce inflammation, reduce muscle spasms and more.

Cold therapy promotes vasoconstriction or constriction of the blood vessels. When the blood vessels constrict, blood circulation is slowed which in turn reduces redness, swelling, spasms and pain. 

The cold temperature may also numb sharp pain. It can also reduce nerve activity, which may also provide some pain relief. Essentially, cold therapy may be  good for pain.

Thermography (heat therapy).

Unlike cold therapy, heat therapy increases the flow of blood and nutrients to various areas of the body. Heat is sometimes used to alleviate muscle stiffness and pain.  It is also reported to be great for chronic low back pain as well as chronic pain in general.

“There is more support to use heat for back pain, because muscle tightness tends to predominate,” according to Harvard Health.

Hot temperatures widen blood vessels, which usually promotes circulation. This increased circulation, in turn, will usually provide the nutrients the body needs to recover and reduce pain.

Heat therapy may involve applying a heating pad or maybe even going into a sauna. It may also involve taking a hot bath or using a steamed towel.

But did you know there is a combination therapy which utilizes both cold and hot therapy?

Many medical professionals suggest alternating between cold and heat therapy in order to best manage your pain.

For example, check out this very informative and helpful chart provided by the Cleveland Clinic. When you have a muscle strain, cold therapy may ease the inflammation and numb the pain. Heat therapy will usually ease the muscle stiffness after the inflammation resolves.

But heat and ice can be used together in an alternating pattern to create a “pumping” action in the circulatory system by restricting circulation to reduce swelling and then increasing circulation to a particular area. This alternation between heat and cold may result in an improved range of motion and expedited pain recovery. This type of therapy is typically used when an injury is at a week or longer maturity, and heat or ice alone has not worked.

There is even credible evidence that a combination of heat and cold therapy may be good for low back pain.

“Taken together, the findings of this study indicated that thermotherapy and cryotherapy caused low back pain to be relieved. Since these methods predictably have fewer side-effects and are economical and accessible, they could be used, alongside pharmacologic treatments, as supplementary ones for reducing pain in the patients with low back pain,” reports the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

All this information about hot and cold therapy for pain made be gain renewed appreciation for the Cryo T Shock machine as a pain relief device. 

The Cryo T Shock involves the use of a very innovative machine that delivers alternating “thermal shocks” of thermography(heat therapy) and cryotherapy(cold therapy). It is usually utilized for its ability to destroy fat cells and cellulite as well as body sculpting.  However, its ability to deliver cold and heat therapy together has made it an effective painkiller.

Precautions with cold and hot therapy?

Here are a few things to keep in mind if you are thinking of utilizing cold and hot therapy:

• Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures may cause muscle tension and increased muscle contraction.

• Too much heat may promote more inflammation.

• Stay hydrated. Prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures can dehydrate you.

• If you are experiencing bruising and swelling, you will most likely use cold therapy.

• Cold therapy should not be used on stiff muscles or joints or if you have poor circulation.

• Both cold and hot therapy should also not be used on people who have sensory disorders without professional supervision. If the person cannot feel the cold or heat, this could be dangerous, causing burns or damage.

• Heat therapy should not be used on people with diabetes, dermatitis, vascular diseases, deep vein thrombosis or multiple sclerosis (unless with medical supervision). If you are pregnant or have hypertension, also seek medical advice first.

• Do not apply these therapies to open wounds

And don’t forget nutrition!

Another great way to manage pain is through good nutrition. Nutrients that may help keep pain away include magnesium, potassium, sodium, zinc, copper, vitamin C, vitamin D and more. You can read more about this in greater detail here and check out Minerals - The Forgotten Nutrient. 

Finally, make sure to take routine nutrient tests to identify any nutrient imbalances or deficiencies you may have. Good nutrition may enhance the benefits of cold and heat therapy. If you are not nutritionally balanced, the more pain you are more likely to have and the harder it will be to recover from wounds and injuries. If you discover you are nutritionally imbalanced, a competent healthcare professional can work with you to make the necessary dietary changes and recommend quality supplements where appropriate.

Enjoy your healthy life!