Cryotherapy for MS?

Cryotherapy is when health professionals administer extreme cold to a person’s body for therapeutic purposes. Could it beneficial for people with multiple sclerosis (MS)?

Localized cryotherapy uses ice packs on parts of the body, and whole body cryotherapy (WBC) is a relatively new clinical intervention which involves exposing the whole body to temperatures of −200 to −300°F for no more than four minutes at a time.

Some practitioners may recommend WBC for people with MS. Here are some of the potential benefits and risks of this therapy.

Cryotherapy Benefits

Potential benefits of cryotherapy include:

• Reduced inflammation
• Relief from nerve irritation and pain
• Improved mood
• Reduced fatigue

Studies show that WBC can temporarily alleviate pain for people with inflammatory conditions, potentially due to modifying actions of the nervous system and reducing stress and inflammation hormone levels.

Cryotherapy and MS

MS is an autoimmune disease involving chronic inflammation of the central nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.

Reducing inflammation may slow or even reverse some effects of MS, which can include pain, irritation, and weakness due to nerve damage. Cryotherapy can reduce nerve activity, which may ease nerve pain and irritation.

A 2020 study concluded that for people with moderate or severe MS, vigorous cool room training can potentially improve walking, fatigue, fitness, and quality of life.

Studies in rats show that cryotherapy reduces the inflammatory process, and studies in athletes show that cryotherapy can reduce exercise-related inflammation.

Small studies show that WBC can reduce mental health deterioration, especially in mood disorders, such as depression, and can be beneficial for well-being and quality of life.

Approximately 75—95% of people with MS experience fatigue. A small review of studies found that after ten sessions of WBC (one exposure per day at −166 °F or lower), patients reported improvements in functional status and feeling of fatigue.

Side Effects and Risks

Potential side effects of cryotherapy may include numbness, tingling, skin irritation, and redness.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Associates, WBC can lead to skin injuries, including frostbite (for 16% of people who undergo WBC), frozen limb, and rashes (i.e., cold panniculitis).

Other risks may include suffocation, memory loss, eye injury, and death.

When receiving cryotherapy, be sure to seek a reputable provider and follow professional guidance about forms of protection (e.g., loose-fitting clothing, socks, gloves, blankets, goggles, etc.) to protect the skin from injury. Additionally, only receive treatment for the recommended length of time at the recommended temperature—never for longer periods of time or at colder temperatures.

Note: WBC has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat any medical condition. More research is needed to determine if and how cryotherapy may reduce inflammation related to MS. Be sure to consult a doctor before trying WBC.