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Let’s be real — living with an autoimmune condition such as multiple sclerosis can feel like playing a never-ending game on hard mode. You're constantly juggling symptoms, triggers, and the quest for anything that might help your body feel a little more “normal” (but is anything normal these days? Asking for a friend). That’s what led me to explore cryotherapy — and before you imagine me frolicking in an ice bath like an elite athlete, no worries, I didn’t do that (I’m a chicken). This is just my honest perspective, backed by what science says, and definitely not a substitute for medical advice.

So what is cryotherapy? In short, it’s exposing your body to super cold temps — either in a localized spot or through whole-body cryo chamber (think: dry, -200 degrees Fahrenheit for two to three minutes). The goal? Reduce inflammation, boost circulation, and trigger natural healing responses. I remember doing this during a flare-up, and one thing I noticed immediately was my pain was virtually gone. That alone gave me more energy and my cognitive abilities seemed to return to a normal place.

 

Sources:
springer.com/article/10.1007/ s40122-020-00225-w?utm pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ 26778452/ pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ 26778452/

Research shows cold exposure can decrease proinflammatory cytokines, which is particularly interesting for folks with autoimmune diseases where the immune system is already in overdrive. Some small studies suggest cryo may help with pain reduction, fatigue, and even mood — thanks to those feel-good endorphins your body releases in the cold. Maybe this is why my body loves the cold? It’s crazy, but I can literally go waking in single digit temps with the right gear and be fine. Don’t ask me to do the same in a Texas summer.

Now, is it a miracle cure for MS or other autoimmune conditions? Nope. But in my experience, regular cryotherapy has become a helpful tool for some. Individuals report feeling less achy after a session, and I remember sleeping like a baby for at least the first two nights after my session. Mentally? It almost feels as refreshing as breathing in a peppermint and getting a calming restart — something that often feels in short supply when dealing with a chronic illness that weighs on your mental and cognitive functionality.

But here’s the thing: cryotherapy works best when it's part of a bigger self-care picture. Eating anti-inflammatory foods (hello leafy greens, berries, and healthy fats — y’all know I sing about this all the time), staying hydrated, moving your body in ways that feel good (gentle yoga, walks), and prioritizing rest all amplify the effects. Cryo doesn’t cancel out a life of stress and processed food — it’s more like a cherry on top of consistent care. A very cold cherry on top.

If you're considering trying it, talk to your neurologist or primary care doctor first — especially if you have cardiovascular issues, cold sensitivity, or other health concerns. And be sure you’re going to a reputable cryo center with trained staff.

I leave you with this: cryotherapy isn’t magic. But it’s cool (literally), and for me, it’s helped turn the volume down on some of my symptoms when I needed it most. In the world of autoimmune conditions, sometimes a little relief goes a long way.