Is Cryotherapy Safe for MS? Pros, Cons, and How It Compares to Cold Plunges

Introduction

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex neurological condition with symptoms that range from muscle weakness and fatigue to sensory disturbances, inflammation, and emotional changes. For many people with MS, finding complementary therapies to support medical treatment is key to improving daily life.

One rising trend in the wellness world is cryotherapy—a technique that uses extreme cold to reduce inflammation, improve recovery, and even boost mood. But is cryotherapy safe for people with MS? And how does it compare to the increasingly popular cold plunge?

Let’s explore the science, benefits, safety considerations, and differences between cryotherapy and cold plunges—so you can make an informed decision about whether this chilly strategy is right for you.

Want a cold plunge? Click here.

🧊 What Is Cryotherapy?

Cryotherapy is a form of cold therapy that involves exposing the body to extremely cold temperatures for a short duration (typically 2–4 minutes). There are several types of cryotherapy:

Whole-body cryotherapy (WBC): You step into a chamber cooled to –100°C to –140°C (–148°F to –220°F).

Localized cryotherapy: A cold wand or probe is applied to a specific area, like a sore joint or muscle.

Cryo-facials: Cold gas is directed at the face to stimulate circulation and reduce puffiness.

Cryotherapy originated as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and chronic pain but has since gained popularity among athletes, biohackers, and people with chronic illness seeking inflammation control and improved recovery.

🔥 Why People with MS Are Interested in is cryo

Inflammation plays a central role in MS. Relapses are caused by immune-mediated attacks on the myelin sheath, and chronic inflammation can also contribute to fatigue, brain fog, pain, and mood instability.

Cryotherapy is being explored as a natural anti-inflammatory tool that may offer benefits such as:

Reduced cytokine activity
Decreased muscle spasticity
Improved mobility
Better sleep and mood
Faster recovery after stress or flares

Additionally, many people with MS struggle with heat sensitivity—where warm environments trigger or worsen symptoms. In theory, cold exposure offers a counterbalance that may soothe the nervous system and reduce flare triggers.

📚 What Does the Research Say?

While MS-specific cryotherapy studies are limited, some research and anecdotal reports suggest benefits:

🧪 Inflammatory Effects

A 2014 study showed whole-body cryotherapy reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-alpha, IL-6) and increased anti-inflammatory markers like IL-10.

These effects are particularly relevant to MS, where immune overactivity plays a central role.

💪 Muscle Relaxation and Spasticity

Cold therapy can help reduce muscle tone and spasticity in the short term by lowering nerve conduction velocity and decreasing pain signals.

This may be useful for people with MS who experience stiffness or spasms.

😌 Stress and Mood Support

Cryotherapy activates the vagus nerve and triggers a release of endorphins and norepinephrine—neurochemicals that help regulate stress and mood.

One session may lead to increased alertness, reduced anxiety, and a feeling of calm that lasts for hours.

🩺 Is Cryotherapy Safe for People with MS?

✅ Potential Benefits:

Cryotherapy Effect	Why It Matters for MS
🔥 Anti-inflammatory	May reduce relapse risk and slow progression
❄️ Lowers core temp	May relieve heat-sensitive symptoms
💪 Reduces spasticity	Eases muscle tension and pain
🧘 Calms nervous system	Supports better stress regulation and emotional stability
🧠 Boosts neurotransmitters	May improve mood and mental clarity

⚠️ Safety Concerns:

Cryotherapy may not be safe or comfortable for everyone with MS. Here’s why:

Cold Sensitivity: Some people with MS have cold intolerance, where cold makes symptoms worse (especially neuropathy, pain, or spasticity).

Cardiovascular Risks: Whole-body cryotherapy temporarily increases blood pressure and can be risky for people with heart conditions or autonomic dysfunction.

Balance and Coordination: Standing in a cryo chamber with impaired balance or mobility may increase fall risk.

MS Relapses: While rare, there are anecdotal reports of symptoms worsening after aggressive cold exposure.

Important: Always consult your neurologist before trying cryotherapy—especially if you have cardiovascular concerns, advanced MS, or thermoregulatory dysfunction.

🧪 Cryotherapy vs Cold Plunges: What’s the Difference?

While both involve cold exposure, cryotherapy and cold plunges work differently:

Feature	Cryotherapy	Cold Plunges
Temp Range	–100°C to –140°C	10°C to 15°C
Duration	2–4 minutes	1–5 minutes
Mechanism	Dry cold (air/nitrogen)	Wet cold (water immersion)
Sensation	Surface cold, tingly	Deep body chill, gradual
Equipment	Requires cryo chamber	Requires tub and ice
Cost	$30–$70/session	Low cost (DIY or home setup)
Vagus Nerve Stimulation	Moderate	Strong (especially face, neck)
Accessibility	Cryo centers only	Can be done at home
Full Immersion	No (head often excluded)	Yes (optional face dip)

🌡️ Which One Is Better for MS?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your symptoms, preferences, and how your body responds to cold.

👍 Cryotherapy Might Be Better If:

You’re heat-sensitive but cold-tolerant
You want quick sessions with minimal discomfort
You live near a cryo center and can afford regular visits
You have localized pain and want targeted cryotherapy

💧 Cold Plunges Might Be Better If:

You want a deeper nervous system reset
You prefer natural and affordable methods
You’re building an at-home recovery routine
You want to stimulate the vagus nerve for inflammation and emotional balance
You want better control over temperature and time

In general, cold plunges may offer stronger full-body benefits, especially for vagus nerve stimulation, mood regulation, and calming inflammation gradually over time.

🧊 Tips for Trying Cryotherapy with MS

If you and your healthcare provider decide to try cryotherapy, here’s how to do it as safely as possible:

✅ Preparation Tips:

Start slow: Begin with just 2 minutes for your first session.

Dress wisely: Wear gloves, socks, and dry undergarments provided by the clinic.

Communicate symptoms: Let staff know if you feel lightheaded, numb, or dizzy.

Stay warm afterward: Use a blanket, warm drink, or gentle movement post-session.

Avoid on relapse days: Skip cryo if you’re in a flare or feeling unstable.

🧘 Alternatives to Try if Cryo Isn’t a Fit

If cryotherapy feels too intense or expensive, try these gentler alternatives:

Technique	Description
🧊 Face dunk	Dip your face in cold water for 30 seconds to stimulate the vagus nerve
🚿 Contrast showers	Alternate hot and cold water for circulation and immune balance
🛁 Cold plunge tub	Use water at 10–15°C for 1–3 minutes
🧦 Cold socks treatment	Wear damp cold socks under dry wool socks to draw heat and reduce inflammation
🌬️ Breathwork	Pair cold with box breathing or deep exhales to train nervous system control

🧩 What the MS Community Is Saying

Many people with MS are experimenting with both cryotherapy and cold plunges—and while results vary, the feedback is often positive when done mindfully.

“Cryotherapy helps my brain fog and energy levels. I feel clearer for hours afterward.” —Melissa, 35, RRMS

“Cold plunges help me bounce back faster after overexertion. It’s uncomfortable at first, but I always feel calmer after.” —James, 42, progressive MS

“Cryo aggravated my foot neuropathy, so I switched to cold face dips and that feels amazing.” —Aria, 28, RRMS

The key is to start small, track your symptoms, and avoid extremes until you know how your body responds.

💬 FAQs: Cryotherapy and MS

Q: Can cryotherapy cause a relapse?
A: There’s no direct evidence that it causes relapses, but intense cold may aggravate certain symptoms. Use caution and consult your doctor.

Q: Is cryotherapy better than cold showers or plunges?
A: Not necessarily. It depends on your goal. Cold plunges may be more effective for vagus nerve stimulation and long-term resilience.

Q: How often should I do cryotherapy for MS?
A: If tolerated well, 2–3 times per week may be beneficial. But even occasional use can help.

Q: Can I do cryotherapy at home?
A: Not safely. Cryotherapy chambers require medical-grade equipment and supervision. For home use, stick with cold water therapy.

✅ Final Thoughts: Should You Try Cryotherapy for MS?

Cryotherapy is a powerful tool with promising anti-inflammatory and nervous system benefits—but it’s not a perfect match for everyone with MS. It can be:

Refreshing and energizing
Calming for stress and mood
Helpful for pain and inflammation
Risky if you have cold sensitivity or cardiovascular issues

If you’re curious, talk to your neurologist, try a session at a reputable clinic, and see how your body responds. Or, start with cold plunges or cold showers at home for a gentler, affordable, and more controllable entry point into cold therapy.

📌 TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)

Cryotherapy exposes the body to extreme cold for 2–4 minutes and may reduce inflammation, pain, and fatigue in MS.

It’s not safe for everyone—especially if you have cold intolerance or cardiovascular issues.

Cold plunges are a gentler, more accessible alternative that also stimulates the vagus nerve and reduces inflammation.

Always start slowly, and speak with your healthcare provider before trying any cold exposure method.

Want a cold plunge? Click here.

📚 References

Lubkowska, A. et al. (2014). Cryotherapy and cytokine levels: Evidence for inflammation control. Journal of Human Kinetics.

Kox, M. et al. (2014). Voluntary activation of the sympathetic nervous system and attenuation of the innate immune response. PNAS.

Bleakley, C. M. et al. (2012). Cold water immersion and recovery: a meta-analysis. British Journal of Sports Medicine.

Westerlund, T. et al. (2009). The effect of cryotherapy on muscle performance and recovery. Scandinavian Journal of Clinical & Laboratory Investigation.

Mahbub, S. et al. (2021). Vagus nerve and inflammation modulation in MS. Journal of Neuroinflammation.