Imagine freezing your body in temperatures as low as as- 166 Fahrenheit in an effort to cure soreness or another pain.
The concept, known as cryotherapy, may sound crazy but it’s a form of therapy that dates back to ancient times. And, it’s now being offered in San Diego thanks to James Shields, a former pitcher for the Padres who now plays for the Chicago White Sox.
Shields, who has been using cryotherapy for three years, said he was first introduced to the concept in Texas.
“I was hurting pretty bad and someone mentioned cold body therapy,” Shields said. “I went online and did some research, and tried it for three minutes. I fell in love with it because I had immediate results.”
Cryotherapy is the process of applying cold treatment —as cold as -166 Fahrenheit —to your body. It’s an alternative to ice baths where the dry chill penetrates only the outer-layer of skin. The treatment can heal soreness in as little as a two minutes, Shields said.
The therapy has also been used by members of the San Diego Padres and the San Diego Chargers.
But cryotherapy isn’t just beneficial for athletes like Shields. He said cryotherapy works to help those diagnosed with fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis and arthritis.
“From top to bottom, it’s for everybody,” Shields said. “There’s also been studies that show people recover from surgery quicker (by using cryotherapy). It’s for the everyday worker.”
Shields said one current customer, who has arthritis, is treated 18 times a month.
The opportunity to bring therapeutic options to customers is what drove Shields to open the business in Del Mar.
“My wife and I have a passion for health and wellness. That’s what drove us to San Diego,” said Shields, who was recently traded to the White Sox. “What gets me excited is to have the opportunity to do something that can have a positive effect on people’s lives. Our city is unique in that people are truly trying to better themselves here, and when it comes to optimal health and wellness, cryotherapy brings a lot to the table.”
Shields said he plans to open another location in Torrey Pines in September with more to follow. He is also exploring the possibility of offering franchises.
“We want everyone down from Chula Vista, all the way up north to be able to experience this,” Shields said. “More and more people are starting to like it. You can start your day off right and get a good night sleep.”
For more information, go to www.cryoshieldtherapy.com.
