By: Joy Stephenson-Laws, Holistic Coach, J.D., Founder

Concussions are a type of brain injury. They often happen after a hit to the head, like in sports, car accidents, or falls. People with concussions can feel dizzy, tired, forgetful, or even sad. Most of the time, doctors say to rest and take it easy. But what else can help?

One treatment gaining attention is cryotherapy. This is a kind of cold therapy where people step into a freezing chamber for a short time. It sounds extreme, but some athletes and wellness experts love it.

But here’s the big question:

Can cryotherapy help the brain recover after a concussion?

Let’s take a look at what science says—and what it doesn’t.

What Is Cryotherapy?

Cryotherapy means “cold therapy.” In whole-body cryotherapy, you stand in a special chamber cooled to -200°F (-129°C) for about 2–3 minutes. This short burst of cold can lower inflammation, boost mood, and help sore muscles recover.

Some people also use ice packs or cold water immersion (ice baths) for similar reasons.

Cryotherapy is not new. People have used cold for pain relief for centuries. But now, new machines and science are making it more popular than ever—especially in sports.

What Happens in the Brain After a Concussion?

A concussion shakes up the brain. Even though there may be no bleeding, cells in the brain get stressed. The body reacts by:

Sending out inflammatory chemicals like IL-6 and TNF-alpha.
Changing how the nervous system works.
Causing pain, fatigue, poor sleep, or sadness.

These problems can last days, weeks, or even months. That’s why it’s important to rest and give the brain time to heal.

But can anything help speed up that healing?

How Cryotherapy May Help Concussion Recovery

There’s no proof that cryotherapy “cures” concussions. But research shows it may support the body in helpful ways. Let’s break it down.

1. Cryotherapy May Reduce Inflammation

When the brain is injured, the body releases inflammation signals. These help protect us, but too much can slow healing.

Studies have shown that whole-body cryotherapy:

Lowers inflammation chemicals like IL-6 and CRP.
May help the body return to a healthier balance.

One study with athletes found that cryotherapy reduced signs of inflammation after tough workouts. Since concussion is also linked to inflammation, this could help recovery—at least in theory.

2. It Helps the Nervous System Relax

After a concussion, the autonomic nervous system can get stuck in “fight or flight” mode. This means:

Fast heart rate
Trouble sleeping
Anxiety or panic

Cryotherapy may help here too. Cold exposure boosts parasympathetic activity—that’s the “rest and relax” side of your nervous system.

A study from 2013 found that cryotherapy improved heart rate variability (HRV), a marker of nervous system health.

If the nervous system can calm down, the body may heal better.

3. Cryotherapy May Improve Sleep and Mood

Many people with concussions struggle to sleep. They may also feel anxious or depressed.

Cryotherapy has been shown to:

Boost endorphins (feel-good chemicals)
Increase norepinephrine, a brain chemical linked to energy and focus
Help people fall asleep faster in some small studies

Better sleep and mood don’t just feel good—they may also help the brain heal.

4. Pain Relief for Neck and Head Tension

Some concussions cause neck strain or tension headaches. This often comes from whiplash or muscle stress around the injury.

Cryotherapy is well known for reducing muscle soreness and joint pain. Athletes often use it for recovery after intense training.

So if part of your concussion symptoms come from muscle or joint issues, cryotherapy might offer relief.

What Science Still Doesn’t Know

Cryotherapy is exciting, but it’s not a miracle cure. Scientists still have questions:

No major studies have tested cryotherapy in concussion patients.
We don’t know the best timing—should you use it right away or wait?
It may not be safe for everyone, especially people with heart problems, poor circulation, or cold sensitivity.

And most importantly: Cryotherapy does not replace rest, medical care, or brain rehab. It might help some people feel better faster—but it’s not the main treatment.

When Cryotherapy Might Help

If you or someone you love has a concussion, cryotherapy might be worth trying if:

You’ve already seen a doctor and are following recovery advice
You are past the first few days of healing (let the brain rest first)
You’re struggling with neck tension, poor sleep, or mood swings
You have no medical reasons to avoid cold therapy

Make sure you talk to a doctor before trying cryotherapy.

Other Natural Ways to Support Concussion Healing

Cryotherapy isn’t the only holistic tool that may help your brain recover. Here are some gentle, science-backed approaches:

Sleep: The brain heals best during deep sleep.
Omega-3 fats: Found in fish oil, they support brain health.
Light exercise: After resting, gentle movement can help blood flow to the brain.
Mindfulness or meditation: Helps calm the nervous system.
Hydration: Water supports brain cells and healing.

These simple steps may work better than any one therapy on its own.

Final Thoughts: Cold Therapy with a Warm Heart

Cryotherapy is cold—but it could be a warm helping hand on the road to recovery. Science shows it can lower inflammation, calm the nervous system, and support better sleep and mood. While it won’t heal a concussion directly, it may help with the symptoms that slow down healing.

If you’re thinking about trying it, do so safely. Work with a doctor, listen to your body, and use it as part of a full recovery plan.

Your brain is worth the care. Whether it’s cold therapy, deep rest, or simple kindness to yourself, healing takes time—but it is possible.

REFERENCES

1. Lombardi, G., Ziemann, E., & Banfi, G. (2017). Whole-body cryotherapy in athletes: From therapy to stimulation. An updated review of the literature. Frontiers in Physiology, 8, 258

2. Hausswirth, C., Schaal, K., Le Meur, Y., Bieuzen, F., Filliard, J. R., & Volondat, M. (2013). Parasympathetic activity and blood catecholamine responses following a single partial-body cryostimulation and a whole-body cryostimulation. Journal of Sports Science & Medicine, 12(3), 589–595.

3. Costello, J. T., Baker, P. R. A., Minett, G. M., Bieuzen, F., Stewart, I. B., & Bleakley, C. (2015). Whole-body cryotherapy (extreme cold air exposure) for preventing and treating muscle soreness after exercise in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2015(9), CD010789.

4. Varga, C., Czigány, Z., & Fehérvári, P. (2014). Whole-body cryotherapy in chronic pain and mood disorders: A pilot study. Orvosi Hetilap, 155(35), 1387–1393.

5. Harmon, K. G., Drezner, J. A., Gammons, M., Guskiewicz, K. M., Halstead, M., Herring, S. A., … & Roberts, W. O. (2013). American Medical Society for Sports Medicine position statement: Concussion in sport. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 47(1), 15–26.

6. McCrory, P., Meeuwisse, W. H., Dvorak, J., Aubry, M., Bailes, J., Broglio, S., … & Vos, P. E. (2017). Consensus statement on concussion in sport—the 5th international conference on concussion in sport held in Berlin, October 2016. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 51(11), 838–847.

7. Kontos, A. P., Elbin, R. J., Lau, B., Simensky, S., Freund, B., French, J., … & Collins, M. W. (2013). Posttraumatic sleep disturbance in youth diagnosed with concussion. Journal of Child Neurology, 28(4), 403–408.

Can Cryotherapy Help Heal a Concussion? What the Science Says