Cryotherapy is defined as ‘the therapeutic use of cold‘. It works by using the power of extreme cold to trigger natural physiological processes in the body that aid in recovery and wellbeing. The INSTANTCRYO ™ device releases Carbon Dioxide gas at -108°F at a high pressure of 756 psi, reducing the skin surface temperature of the treated area to 39°F within 30 seconds.

The rapid cold and high pressure trigger several physiological responses in the body including:

• Reduced Inflammation

• Pain Relief

• Increased Blood Flow

• Enhanced Tissue Growth and Repair

• Improved Mobility and Flexibility

Targeted treatments allow for a strong therapeutic response and result in the following benefits:

1) Vasomotor Effect: Extreme cold triggers the blood vessels to restrict, reducing blood flow to the site of injury. The blood is redirected to vital organs, where it attains heightened oxygen and nutrient density. The decrease in blood flow reduces swelling & inflammation in the cooled tissues and prevents further build-up of excess fluids and toxins. As the body warms back up post treatment, the blood vessels expand, allowing freshly oxygenated and nutrient filled blood to be delivered to the injury site, triggering repair and recovery, while removing toxins and metabolic waste buildup.

2) Analgesic Effect: Research indicates extreme cold has both an analgesic (relieves pain) and anesthetic (reduces nerve activity that signals pain responses to the brain) effect, decreasing pain and feeling. In addition, the reduction in inflammation and swelling, along with the later increase in blood circulation, helps relieve muscle tightness, discomfort, and pain.

3) Anti-Inflammatory Effect: The initial reduction in blood flow to the cooled area reduces swelling and inflammation. The accumulation of excess fluid is reduced, along with the amount of inflammatory substances and immune cells reaching the site. There’s also research to suggest extreme cold reduces the production of certain pro-inflammatories and increases the production of anti-inflammatories.

4) Myo-Relaxant Effect: (Myo = Muscle) Cryotherapy can help to reduce muscle spasms by slowing down nerve impulses. Muscle cramping, general soreness, and discomfort are eased.

5) Lymphatic Drainage: The Lymphatic system relies on muscle contraction to push lymph fluid through lymph vessels. When there is muscle or tissue damage, impacting their normal functions, swelling occurs. Extreme cold exposure causes muscles in and near lymph vessels to contract forcing lymph fluid through the nodes enhancing lymphatic drainage. Efficient lymphatic drainage in horses assists in injury recovery, reduces scar tissue formation, reduces inflammation & swelling, eliminates toxins, and boosts immunity.

6) Hormone Release: The research proposes that cold exposure triggers the release of endorphins in horses. This helps reduce stress-related behaviors, elevate mood, improve alertness, and boost energy levels.

It is no secret that ice is a common tool athletes use to heal and recover from injuries. So what is the difference between Cryotherapy and Icing/Cold Hosing?

While icing and cold hosing can have a beneficial impact, it only reduces the skin to about 46F within 20 minutes with little to no pressure being applied. Cold hosing and icing require longer and more frequent treatments that can be time consuming. Additionally, it can be hard to ice injuries in difficult to reach areas.

Cryotherapy reduces the skin temperature to 39F within 30 seconds while applying high pressure and deeper penetration, enhancing the bodies therapeutic response. The treatments being as fast as 30 seconds, one to two times per day (based on the injury) means spending less time applying cooling methods and faster results.

• Chronic Pain & Inflammation

• Muscle, Joint & Tendon Injuries/Diseases

• Arthritis

• Laminitis

• Bursitis and Synovitis

• Cellulitis

• Bruising, Scars, Wounds, and Sutures

• Post-Surgery Rehabilitation

• Lameness

• Hematomas

• To aid performance (treatments relieve tight and strained muscles pre and post-racing or training)

• For long term pain management

• As a preventative measure to reduce the risk of future injury or relapse.

• The reduction in pain and inflammation, oedema and improved blood flow ease muscle stiffness and improve flexibility and coordination.

The length of treatment is determined based on your horses symptoms and or diagnosis. Each client is evaluated for pain, inflammation, discomfort and more before determining their proper treatment plan. There is no one size fits all answer when it comes to horses. Each treatment plan is customized to your horses specific needs.

Cold therapy is a drug-free, non invasive treatment with no known side effects. Additionally, there is no risk of burning the skin. The INSTANTCRYO™ has been expertly designed to feature multiple safety measurements to ensure a safe application. Additionally, our cryotherapy service provider is trained, certified and insured using this instrument.

Bailey Youndt is the founder and cryotherapy provider at Fig & Honey Horse Care. With about a decade of experience working in several scientific fields including Environmental Science, Marine Biology and Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Bailey has combined her passion and knowledge in horse care and scientific research to provide expert care for your equines. Our main goal is to provide your horses with the tools that their bodies need to recover and thrive. The magic lies within your horse; Cryotherapy triggers the body to have a cascade of natural healing effects that promote their healing process.