5 benefits of cryotherapy for athletes
Sausport Blog
Athletes continually take part in a variety of physical activities during training and sports practice. With physical activity comes the possibility of injury. According to a National Health Statistics Report from the US Department of Health and Human Services, an estimated 8.6 million sports injuries occur each year. Whenever an athlete takes the field to practise or perform an exercise, the risk of injury is present. The good news is that cryotherapy — the use of cold to treat injuries — can offer relief and recovery to athletes looking to treat injuries. Cryotherapy provides numerous benefits to those who want to recover quickly from injuries or reduce the strain and general fatigue of strenuous activity and exercise. For clinics and clubs, Sausport offers cryotherapy and compression solutions such as Game Ready and Aquilo.
Benefits of cryotherapy
1. Reduced inflammation
Inflammation is a process in which the body directs white blood cells to the areas of the body where there may be potential threats, namely damaged tissues or structures. This process can also cause parts of the body to swell if too much fluid builds up.
With cryotherapy, excess fluids are drawn away from the site through vasoconstriction, reducing swelling and inflammation.
2. Post-exercise recovery
After training, the body’s muscles need time to recover.
Current research suggests that overall recovery time is reduced with cold compression therapy, allowing athletes to return quickly to their games and training.
Cold compression therapy can also help relieve muscle soreness and reduce the likelihood of muscle injuries.
3. Flexibility
It is sometimes a challenge to be as flexible as you want to be, especially after working the muscles hard. Studies show that cryotherapy can help relax overworked muscles and improve flexibility. By concentrating on problem areas, cold compression therapy can help relax the muscles quickly.
4. Muscle and tissue repair
The body’s muscles and tissues need time to repair themselves after being placed under enormous mechanical stress. Cryotherapy can help speed up the repair process by stimulating the movement of blood and lymphatic fluid, bringing much-needed nutrients and oxygen to the muscles and tissues. In addition, because inflammation is reduced, cryotherapy helps speed up repair and recovery.
5. Shorter recovery time and injury prevention
The spectre of injury is always present in an athlete’s mind. It is up to the athlete to look after their health and use the means available to prevent these injuries from appearing as effectively as possible. When injuries do occur, there are devices and techniques that enable a faster and more effective return to sport. Compressive cryotherapy is effective and can help the body heal faster, avoid new injuries and prevent recurrences.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. Sheu Y, Chen LH, Hedegaard H. Sports- and recreation-related injury episodes in the United States, 2011-2014. Natl Health Stat Report 2016; (99): 1-12.
2. Wilke B, Weiner RD. Postoperative cryotherapy: risks versus benefits of continuous-flow cryotherapy units. Clin Podiatr Med Surg. 2003 Apr; 20(2): 307-22.
3. Waterman B, Walker JJ, Swaims C, Shortt M, Todd MS, Machen SM, Owens BD. The efficacy of combined cryotherapy compression compared with cryotherapy alone following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. J Knee Surg. 2012; 25, (02): 155-160.
4. Kalli K, Fousekis K. The effects of cryotherapy on athletes’ muscle strength, flexibility, and neuromuscular control: A systematic review of the literature. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2019.
5. Block JE. Cold and compression in the management of musculoskeletal injuries and orthopedic operative procedures: a narrative review. Open Access J Sports Med. 2010: 105-113.
6. Cold therapy (cryotherapy) for pain management. University of Rochester Medical Center.
NEWSLETTER
Related articles
Sem categoriaMuscle decompression: what it is, how it works and when to use itNovember 7, 2026 · 5 min read
Sem categoriaWinback Tecar therapy in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndromeNovember 5, 2026 · 3 min read
Sem categoria6 treatments for a muscle strainNovember 5, 2026 · 3 min read