Freezing, Pulsing, and Floating

While regular exercise and healthy eating are the most important things we can do to stay healthy, therapeutic treatments that can also be helpful. You have likely heard of acupuncture, chiropractic, and massage therapy. They have received greater validation in recent years and are sometimes even covered by medical insurance. Some newer treatments have come on the horizon lately, and I've been lucky to give them a try. Here's what I thought:

Cryotherapy
Whole Body Cryotherapy (WBC) stimulates the body’s natural healing abilities through exposure to extreme cold. While originally developed as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritics, it has recently gained popularity among professional athletes and celebrities. I tried cryotherapy twice with GoCryo, a mobile van which comes to Fit periodically. To prepare, I changed into a bathrobe and put on gloves and socks, all of which they provide. Then I stepped into a shower stall shaped freezer for 3 minutes while it got down to below freezing temperatures. It was very cold and while I did feel greater energy the rest of the day, I unfortunately did not notice much improvement in alleviating my rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. However, perhaps I would see better results with more regular "freezing," as others have. GoCryo offers Fit members a 20% discount.
       

PEMF: Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy
This process involves directing strong, pulsed energy waves toward damaged or injured areas of your body. The electromagnetic pulse stimulates cellular equilibrium/recharge, and greater circulation. Each pulse creates micro-tears at weak points at cellular levels which stimulate natural healing and strengthening. The resulting effects can include faster healing, decreased inflammation, pain relief, greater range of motion, etc. After my second 1hr treatment at Bio-tique in Poway, I noticed less pain and swelling in my joints. I now go once or twice a week and spend 30 minutes getting the "whole-body" electromagnetic treatment (as pictured below) and then another 30 minutes just focusing on the swollen joints in my hands. Bio-tique also offers infrared sauna and genetic testing. Fit members receive a 20% discount, but you can get your first treatment for free if you mention my name.


Float Therapy
Floating is an experience of total relaxation in your own personal, weightless environment where all five of your senses are free from external stimuli.
This is achieved by soaking in the purified mineral rich Epsom Salt water, breathing the highly filtered air of the ‘float’ environment, and removing all external stimuli that stress the mind. I tried this out at flot in downtown San Diego. After checking in, I showered and entered the sensory deprivation tank, where I floated for the next hour. I don't have much experience with meditation, and perhaps this is why I didn't enjoy the floating experience that much. I felt restless and ended up with stiffer joints than when I went in. However, if meditation and contemplation is your thing, you'd probably enjoy it. flot gives Fit members 25% off.

Have you tried out any of these therapeutic modalities or any others? I'd love to hear about your experiences.