Recovering Strength after Trail Running in the Cryochamber: Interview with Dr. Stefano Veglio
In Valle d'Aosta, a land of mountain trail running and home to the Tor des Géants, the true innovation in the realm of wellness and body care is called the Cryochamber. Dr. Stefano Veglio, a specialist in Dermatology, Venereology, and Aesthetic Medicine, offers this treatment at his studio in Saint-Christophe, just a stone's throw from Aosta.
We met with him to delve into the treatment.
Doctor Veglio what exactly is it?
It involves a chamber where the patient stays for a very short period, ranging from two to a maximum of five minutes, at a temperature of -85°C. The patient enters with appropriate head, hand, and foot coverings, wearing a mask to avoid breathing the extremely cold air. Immediately afterward, the patient warms up on a water-heated bed equipped with chromotherapy.
What benefits can it provide to those who engage in such strenuous and demanding sports like trail running?
The benefits are immediate: a significant reduction in muscle pain, recovery from exertion, improvement in tendon and joint pains, all accompanied by a strong sense of well-being. This type of therapy has been used for a long time in major sports medicine centers.
Have you treated athletes who have participated in the TOR330 Tor des Géants or the TOR450 Tor des Glaciers?
Absolutely, and I must say that I have received enthusiastic feedback on the results and the sense of well-being achieved.
How can this treatment be useful in the preparation phase for races?
It certainly brings about a faster recovery, alleviating muscle traumas or states of fatigue, thus enabling a much more effective training regimen. It is also crucial for minimizing any interruptions in the training process that may occur due to traumas or overloads. Another advantage not to be underestimated is the ability to drastically reduce the use of anti-inflammatory or pain-relieving medications, benefiting our health.
What pre-existing conditions can it treat?
It is considered very useful for certain dermatological conditions such as psoriasis and chronic itching. It significantly accelerates basal metabolism and is therefore used to encourage calorie consumption in people who cannot engage in sports or physical activity. A two-minute session results in an additional daily calorie consumption of about 400 kcal, all generated by the increased basal metabolism, rejuvenating blood flow in the tissues. There is also scientific literature that positions it as one of the important treatments for fibromyalgia. In aesthetics, it is essential for reducing cellulite and fat deposits, toning the tissues. The well-being derived from it also leads to a marked improvement in mood tone, enhancing nocturnal rest.
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Are there health risks?
It is a very safe treatment with absolutely minimal risks, but patients with heart conditions, internal electrical devices like pacemakers, individuals with metal prosthetics, or those particularly sensitive to cold-related issues should be excluded.
What are the treatment protocols?
There is ample flexibility in organizing a course according to one's needs or the issue to be addressed. I recommend about ten sessions 2 or 3 times a week, especially for those treating pain-related conditions or seeking an acceleration effect on metabolism. However, it is also advantageous to have a session occasionally for overall well-being and psychophysical energy.
What led a well-known dermatologist like you to create this type of service?
My passion for innovative treatments and new technologies led me to explore the benefits of systemic cryotherapy. Dealing with body aesthetic treatments for a long time, having a tool that accelerates calorie consumption, providing well-being without side effects, was a fundamental incentive to offer this therapy in Valle d'Aosta.
What will be the characteristics and purposes of the new center in Saint-Christophe?
The goal is to create an innovative center focused on wellness medicine. It is clear that well-being depends on the comprehensive care of the patient, with a true holistic approach that addresses both disease and the psychophysical well-being of each individual.
