Cryotherapy for Pain Relief and Improved Recovery in Arlington, VA

Cryotherapy is thought to reduce inflammation, numb irritated nerves, and stimulate endorphin release, which may result in temporary pain relief. For individuals with arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, some research and patient experiences suggest that cryotherapy—whether targeted to a specific area or applied to the whole body—can offer short-term relief from joint pain and stiffness. This decrease in inflammation may improve mobility, making it easier to participate in chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, and daily activities.

For those living with fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition often accompanied by fatigue and sensitivity, some clinical trials have reported that cryotherapy can provide immediate, though temporary, relief from pain and fatigue. These effects are believed to result from reduced nerve activity and increased endorphin production.

Integrating Cryotherapy into Your Care at Vitalité Chiropractic

At Vitalité Chiropractic, your cryotherapy session begins with a brief consultation. A chiropractic provider will review your medical history, discuss your symptoms, and confirm that cryotherapy is appropriate for your needs.

Depending on your treatment plan, you may receive whole-body or localized cryotherapy:

Whole-Body Cryotherapy

If recommended, you’ll enter a cryotherapy chamber, where temperatures drop between -110°C to -140°C. You’ll wear protective gear for your hands, feet, ears, and mouth, and the session lasts about 2–4 minutes. While you may feel intense cold or tingling, it shouldn’t be painful. The session will be closely monitored for your comfort and safety.

Localized Cryotherapy

For targeted pain relief, a specialized device applies cold directly to the affected area, like your neck, shoulder, or knee. The cold sensation can last a few minutes, followed by temporary redness or numbness that quickly resolves.

After Treatment

Many patients report immediate benefits, such as reduced pain, less swelling, and increased mobility. As blood flow returns to the treated area, you might feel a tingling or warming sensation. Most individuals can resume their daily activities right away with no downtime required.

Whether you’re dealing with acute injuries, chronic pain, or recovering from the stresses of daily life. One of the evidence-based modalities we may recommend as part of your individualized care plan is cryotherapy, also known as cold therapy.

Cryotherapy involves the application of low temperatures to specific areas of the body, often through ice packs, cold compresses, or advanced therapeutic devices. In the context of chiropractic care, cryotherapy is particularly effective for managing musculoskeletal injuries, joint inflammation, and soft tissue strains, which are common concerns among our patients.

When you receive cryotherapy at Vitalité Chiropractic, the cold temperature causes your blood vessels to constrict—a process called vasoconstriction. This natural response reduces blood flow to the injured or inflamed area, helping to minimize swelling and inflammation that can otherwise slow down your healing process. Since excessive inflammation can exacerbate pain and delay recovery, controlling it early is crucial for your overall well-being.

By limiting the accumulation of fluid and inflammatory chemicals, cryotherapy not only helps control tissue damage but also reduces pain signals, often providing our patients with immediate relief. 

After a cryotherapy session, as your tissues rewarm, blood flow increases once again—known as vasodilation. This alternation between constriction and dilation helps flush out metabolic waste and brings fresh nutrients and oxygen to the area, further supporting the healing process. For our chiropractic patients, this means less discomfort, reduced risk of secondary injury, and a smoother path to restoring mobility and function.

Cryotherapy—exposing the body or specific areas to extremely cold temperatures—is a valuable tool we incorporate in our practice to help manage pain and inflammation.

How Cryotherapy Supports Chiropractic Care

In the short term, cryotherapy can effectively relieve pain by numbing nerve endings, reducing blood flow, and decreasing inflammation in the targeted area. This immediate relief is especially beneficial for acute injuries such as sprains, strains, or discomfort following chiropractic adjustments and therapeutic exercises. That’s why we often recommend cryotherapy as part of the initial management for injuries or after intense physical activity.

Cryotherapy for Long-Term Wellness

While the most noticeable benefits of cryotherapy are immediate, some research suggests that regular sessions may also help reduce chronic pain associated with conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia. By modulating inflammation and potentially decreasing pain sensitivity, cryotherapy can complement your ongoing chiropractic care. However, it’s important to note that cryotherapy’s long-term effects are generally modest and may vary from person to person.

At Vitalité Chiropractic, we are committed to offering our patients the most effective and innovative therapies for musculoskeletal health. Under the expert care of Dr. W. Jean-Luc Sansfaute, DC, our clinic integrates cryotherapy—also known as cold therapy—into comprehensive treatment plans designed for faster healing and long-term relief.

What is Cryotherapy?

Cryotherapy involves applying controlled cold temperatures to specific areas of the body, or in some cases, the entire body, for a brief period. This process rapidly constricts blood vessels, reducing inflammation, swelling, and pain. As the area warms, increased blood flow delivers vital oxygen and nutrients to help repair tissues and flush out metabolic waste—key steps in recovery.

Why Choose Cryotherapy at Vitalité Chiropractic?

Many patients visit Vitalité Chiropractic following intense workouts, injuries, or to manage chronic pain conditions like arthritis. Cryotherapy can effectively relieve sore muscles, joint pain, and soft tissue injuries by minimizing inflammation and calming nerve activity. As a non-invasive, drug-free alternative, it aligns perfectly with our holistic and patient-centered philosophy.

Integrated Care with Dr. Sansfaute

Dr. Sansfaute combines cryotherapy with evidence-based chiropractic techniques, ensuring each patient receives a personalized and integrated approach to care. By closely monitoring your progress, Dr. Sansfaute adjusts treatment frequency and duration to maximize both comfort and therapeutic results, whether you are recovering from an acute injury or seeking ongoing management for chronic discomfort.

At Vitalité Chiropractic, you’ll benefit from our advanced facility and Dr. Sansfaute’s dedication to holistic health and patient education. We prioritize safety and effectiveness, tailoring each cryotherapy session to your unique needs and goals. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 1600 Wilson Blvd, Suite B #320, Arlington, VA 22209. We serve patients from Arlington VA, Falls Church VA, Alexandria VA, Lincolnia VA, Idylwood VA, and surrounding areas.