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the-benefits-of-cold-exposure-and-innovative-recovery-therapies-in-tucson

The Benefits of Cold Exposure and Innovative Recovery Therapies in Tucson

"Want to know how I chill out at the end of a long week, heading into the weekend? As the temps finally start to drop. How about dropping them even more? Like a 37-degree cold plunge. This is me last Friday.
Chilling out with my friends Maiko and Leanda.

They run a very cool facility here in Tucson – Innovative Alternative Clinic - focused on helping you recover faster, feel better, and perform better for life.

Leanda Cave is a multi-time world-champion triathlete.

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Fun fact about Leanda: On 9 September 2012, at the Ironman 70.3 World Championship, Cave came in first place. On 13 October 2012, at the Ironman World Championship , Cave came in first place. By winning both the 70.3 world championship and the Ironman World Championship in the same year, Cave became the first woman to ever achieve the 'double'.
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Maiko Andara is an accomplished athlete and Certified USA triathlon, high-performance cycling and recovery coach.

However, before you think this is a place only for "ultra-athletes", it's not.

There is something here for anyone looking to get out of pain, recover, feel better, and compete at a higher level in life.

More on that in a minute.

That afternoon we sequenced several "fun" things including the infamous, often-talked-about, cold plunge.

Ah, the exhilarating embrace of cold exposure!
For those of us heat-seeking desert dwellers, this may be a tough sell.

While it might make you shiver at the mere thought, the science behind it reveals a treasure trove of health benefits that go far beyond the initial frosty shock to the system.

Cold exposure, whether through a cold plunge, ice baths, or cryotherapy, has gained popularity for its purported health benefits, and it's not just for daredevil enthusiasts.
Emerging research suggests that subjecting your body to controlled bouts of cold can provide a myriad of health benefits.
So, let's plunge into the exhilarating world of cold exposure and see why some people, like me, are willingly taking the plunge into icy waters!
1. Enhanced Recovery and Reduced Muscle Soreness:
After a strenuous workout, many athletes and fitness enthusiasts swear by the benefits of cold exposure.

Cold water immersion can help reduce muscle soreness and inflammation, aiding in quicker recovery.

The cold constricts blood vessels, which decreases inflammation, and then upon rewarming, blood rushes back to the muscles, helping to flush out metabolic waste products and improve overall recovery.
Reference: Vaile, J., Halson, S., Gill, N., & Dawson, B. (2008). Effect of hydrotherapy on the signs and symptoms of delayed onset muscle soreness. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 102(4), 447-455.
2. Immune System Boost:
Exposing yourself to cold can stimulate the production of white blood cells and increase your body's ability to fight off infections.

Cold exposure triggers the release of norepinephrine, a hormone that plays a role in immune function.

It has also been show to boost circulating stem cell counts and activity for healing, repair, and regeneration.
Reference: Teixeira, A., Cunha, L., Assumpção, C., Miot, H. A., & Marcondes, J. (2017). Exercise and cold exposure increases the production of stress hormones and inflammatory cytokines. NeuroImmunoModulation, 24(6), 349-357.
3. Mental Health and Stress Reduction:
Cold exposure has been linked to improved mood and mental well-being.

The shock of cold water can trigger the release of endorphins and other mood-enhancing chemicals, which may help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Cold exposure can also train the mind to endure discomfort and build resilience to stress.
Reference: Rymaszewska, J., & Ramsey, D. (2016). A review of the relationship between the gut microbiota and the expression of the genes for the dopaminergic system. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 10, 47.
4. Weight Management:
Exposing your body to cold can activate brown fat, a type of fat that burns calories to generate heat. Increased brown fat activity can contribute to weight management and metabolic health.

Some studies suggest that regular cold exposure may be a part of a weight loss strategy.
Reference: van der Lans, A. A., Hoeks, J., Brans, B., Vijgen, G. H., Visser, M. G., Vosselman, M. J., ... & Schrauwen, P. (2013). Cold acclimation recruits human brown fat and increases nonshivering thermogenesis. The Journal of Clinical Investigation, 123(8), 3395-3403.
5. Improved Blood Circulation:
Cold exposure can increase peripheral blood flow, potentially improving circulation and cardiovascular health.

It can also help manage blood pressure and improve the elasticity of blood vessels, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Reference: Ponikowski, P., Chua, T. P., Anker, S. D., Francis, D. P., Doehner, W., Banasiak, W., ... & Coats, A. J. (2001). Peripheral chemoreceptor hypersensitivity: an ominous sign in patients with chronic heart failure. Circulation, 104(5), 544-549.
While cold exposure offers many potential benefits, it's essential to approach it with caution .
Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any cold exposure regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions.
Remember, science supports the idea that a bit of controlled cold can be a refreshing and invigorating addition to a healthy lifestyle, but, as with any health practice, moderation and individual variation are key.
Wait a couple of more months, and you can do this in your own backyard pool.

Or, if you want a more controlled experience, Maiko and Leanda would be happy to introduce you to some recovery/healing modalities.

Customizing treatment to maximize your body’s ability to stimulate its own healing processes.

This is VERY complementary to the cellular and nutritional treatments in my practice.

For those of you wanting a slightly warmer experience.

They are one of only two facilities in the U.S. to offer Radiofrequency Humantecar (HCR) Technology .

Think of this like a next-level augmented-with-technology, massage session.

A handheld device will be placed on your skin to deliver controlled, frequency energy to targeted areas.

The energy heats the tissues beneath the skin's surface using varying temperatures, stimulating deep blood flow to the tissues being treated.

This stimulation works from the inside of your tissues and cells activating a healing, anti-inflammatory process.

I experienced this as well and it was pretty amazing.
WAY more comfortable than 6-minutes in the cold tank!

So, if you are looking to explore some additional treatments to reduce pain and inflammation, or simply recharge as you’re charging through life the next few months, I would strongly recommend you check.





P.S. Disclosure: I have no financial ties to the Innovative Alternative Clinic

Leanda and Maiko are good people doing good things, with very high-end, leading-edge technology.

Their aim is simple – to help you recover, recharge, so you can repeat whatever it is you love doing in life, for as long as possible." Dr. Tait

how-our-clinic-s-services-can-help-you-achieve-optimal-sports-performance-and-health

How Our Clinic's Services Can Help You Achieve Optimal Sports Performance and Health

As an athlete or fitness enthusiast, you understand the importance of training hard, eating well, and getting enough rest. But did you know that incorporating certain healthcare services into your routine can help you achieve optimal sports performance and health? At our clinic, we offer a range of services designed to prevent injury, enhance performance, and promote recovery. Let's take a closer look at some of the benefits of these services and the hard numbers and facts that support them. IV Therapy: Improved Hydration and Energy Did you know that even mild dehydration can have negative effects on sports performance? Studies show that just a 2% loss of body weight due to fluid loss can impair exercise performance, leading to reduced endurance, strength, and speed (1). IV therapy can help you maintain optimal hydration levels, leading to improved energy and athletic performance. One study found that athletes who received IV hydration therapy before a marathon had better hydration status and improved running performance compared to those who did not receive the therapy (2). Physiotherapy: Preventing and Treating Injuries Injuries are a common occurrence in sports and can significantly impact performance and health. That's why it's important to incorporate injury prevention and treatment strategies into your routine. Physiotherapy can help you achieve this. Research shows that incorporating physiotherapy into sports training can help prevent injuries, improve physical function, and reduce the risk of re-injury (3). Additionally, physiotherapy can be effective in treating a range of sports-related injuries, from sprains and strains to more severe injuries like fractures and dislocations. Cryotherapy: Faster Recovery and Reduced Inflammation After a strenuous workout or competition, your body needs time to recover. Cryotherapy can help speed up the recovery process by reducing inflammation and promoting tissue repair. Studies show that cryotherapy can help reduce muscle soreness and improve recovery time in athletes (4). Additionally, cryotherapy has been shown to reduce inflammation levels, which can contribute to a range of health issues, including cardiovascular disease, arthritis, and diabetes (5). Red Light Therapy: Improved Muscle Function and Reduced Pain Red light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-level wavelengths of light to improve cell function and promote healing. This therapy can be effective in promoting muscle recovery, reducing pain, and improving physical performance. Research shows that red light therapy can help improve muscle function, reduce muscle fatigue, and enhance endurance in athletes (6). Additionally, red light therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing pain and inflammation in conditions like osteoarthritis and chronic low back pain (7). Blood Testing: Personalized Nutrition and Health Optimization Nutrition and overall health are critical components of sports performance and fitness. Blood testing can provide valuable insights into your unique health status and nutritional needs, helping you optimize your training and overall health. For example, blood testing can help identify nutrient deficiencies, hormone imbalances, and other health issues that may be impacting your performance and health. By addressing these issues through personalized nutrition and lifestyle interventions, you can achieve optimal health and sports performance. At our clinic, we are committed to helping athletes and fitness enthusiasts achieve their goals through a range of services designed to optimize sports performance and health. Whether you're looking to prevent injuries, enhance performance, or promote recovery, we have a service that's right for you. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and start achieving your best self, inside and out.

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