What are the benefits of cryotherapy and balneotherapy in recovery?

Hydrotherapy means the use of water in the rehabilitation of the locomotor system. The advantage of exercises in water is achievement of the buoyancy force, which enables the reduction of tension within the joints and the hydrostatic pressure that acts on the body in all directions. Reducing the load enables improved mobility in joints and increases muscle activity, circulation, proprioceptive input and balance. The intensity of the exercise changes depending on the depth of the water in which the person is. 

Cryotherapy is an ice treatment that is carried out by applying ice, which we want to achieve better blood circulation and deep vasodilation and at the same time block the afferent nerves, reducing the sensation of pain, especially in the case of fresh injuries, and also when we want to eliminate spasm. The goal of cryotherapy is to increase cell growth and reproduction (cell metabolism), prolong cell life, reduce inflammatory processes, reduce pain and spasm, improve blood flow and, in cases of using extremely low temperatures, destroy cells by crystallization of the cytosol, the liquid inside the cell. also known as intracellular fluid. Another name for cryotherapy is ice therapy.

Balneotherapy is defined as bathing in natural mineral or thermal waters (mineral baths, sulfur baths, bathing in conditions that stimulate the “Dead Sea”), using mud wraps. Balneotherapy is usually carried out in centers that have thermal waters (spas) or baths in sea water. Balneotherapy improves range of motion in joints, strengthens muscles, reduces muscle spasm, maintains and improves mobility, relieves pain and generally improves health and quality of life.