A Look into Cryotherapy Through the Eyes of Dr. Rand McClain

Fast and efficient recovery is essential to improving athletic performance. But not everyone has the time or budget to use the latest recovery technologies. Cryotherapy treatments on a regular basis have become popular lately with Zac Ephron, Justin Timberlake, Mark Wahlberg, Steph Curry, Lebron James and countless other celebrities and pro-athletes who rely on the treatments to keep them healthy as well as reduce any pain and inflammation they may be suffering from.

Dr. Rand McClain, an expert in regenerative and restorative medicine, treats athletes and celebrities helping them to recover from injury and maintain performance. In this interview, he sits down with us to discuss all topics regarding cryotherapy and cryotherapy treatment. He even give us some tips on things we can do at home if we don’t have access to a facility that offers such treatments.

*This is an interview between Matt Weik of Weik Fitness and Dr. Rand McClain.

Can you tell us a little bit about who you are, what you do, and how you got involved with cryotherapy?

Dr. Rand McClain: I am a doctor whose practice centers on health optimization using the best in Regenerative and Sports Medicine. My background includes participation in multiple sports as a professional and elite amateur and a lifetime focused on ways to manipulate the body toward optimum health using exercise, nutrition, supplements, lifestyle, and appropriate medical interventions.

My intent in clinical practice is to provide the best treatment modalities and preventive and proactive health strategies in one practice.

Cryotherapy is one of many therapies available to this end which is “founded in science and proven in practice.” Athletes have known about and been taking advantage of the benefits of regular Cryotherapy ranging from the localized application to whole body immersion to reduce inflammation, increase blood flow, and promote healing and recovery through activation of the autonomic nervous system.

What exactly is cryotherapy and how can athletes as well as those who exercise regularly benefit?

Dr. Rand McClain: The broad definition of Cryotherapy includes the application of low temperatures to areas ranging from local injuries to the entire body. Low temperatures can range from 32 degrees Fahrenheit to 200 degrees below zero and application times can vary from typically between 2 and 30 minutes.

Anyone can take advantage of Cryotherapy’s benefits listed above.

Dr. Rand McClain: Depending upon whether for maintenance of optimum health or treatment of injury, Cryotherapy can be used from once to multiple times per day.

Is it true that utilizing cryotherapy also has an effect on metabolism (the body would need to expend energy in order to warm itself back up) and could potentially aid in weight loss?

Dr. Rand McClain: Absolutely. Thermogenic calorie consumption is part of Cryotherapy treatment and could lead to fat loss.

Note from Matt Weik: There is ZERO scientific evidence that shows cryotherapy assists with fat loss.

If someone does not have a cryotherapy spa near them or they simply do not have the disposable income to use such a form of therapy very often, are there similar things that people can do at home to mimic the effects?

Dr. Rand McClain: Of course. One can use a Ziploc bag full of ice for local treatments and an unheated pool for whole body treatments.

Obviously, many professional athletes are using this method of therapy, but can anyone use cryotherapy or are there some warnings that people should be aware of?

Dr. Rand McClain: I find that bursitis can occasionally be temporarily aggravated by Cryotherapy but eventually ameliorated. Because immersion into cold initially constricts vessels, those with vascular issues must use Cryotherapy with caution. Those with advanced cardiovascular disease or at risk for stroke should use caution. Other basic precautions include not consuming alcohol or not being thoroughly dry (skin and hair) before a whole-body treatment. For the most part, anyone can use Cryotherapy.

Related Article: Should You Be Using an Ice Bath for Recovery?

Are there any side effects to cryotherapy in the short or long term?

Dr. Rand McClain: The only negative “side effects” such as skin damage/burns that I have seen are from overtreatment or when using nitrogen-based systems improperly.

If you are interested in a small at-home cryotherapy machine to help spot-treat any specific area of your body, you can purchase one here on Amazon and utilize all of the benefits in the privacy of your own home.

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