Overview of Thermal Shock (T-Shock)
Thermal Shock is the science of using vasoconstriction and vasodilation, modulated at various times, temperatures and sequences to deliver desired effects on the body. From physiotherapy to aesthetics, the science of thermal shock is applicable across a broad range of services. When a treated area on the body experiences rapid hot/cold temperature exchanges circulation increases, metabolism is boosted, inflammation reduced, the muscle/skin relationship is reinforced, dormant collagen and elastin are reinvigorated and the tissue becomes more oxygenated. Cryo T-Shock technology allows us to use Thermal Shock for applications such as fat and cellulite reduction, skin rejuvenation, facials, and pain management all from a single modality.
The Science of Fat Reduction
A thermal shock fat reduction session is a safe, painless, non-invasive procedure for reducing adipose tissue through the application of alternating heat and cold flows, sequenced in pre-programmed protocols, organized by gender and treatment area. This approach does not involve risks for the patient that are involved with more invasive devices combining cold and suction. Thermal shock reduces the fat layer without damaging the skin or tissue surrounding the treated area.
Every fat reduction session ends with a period of heat applied to the treatment area as vasodilation relaxes the tissue stimulating the fat cells to release their lipids which pass through the lymphatic system in the first 48 hours. The fat cells are excreted through the lymphatic system over the next few months. This process allows for a much more efficient session than using heat or cold alone.
Fat reduction sessions are performed once every 2 weeks which allows for minimal time commitment from the client.
The Science of Cellulite Reduction
Cellulite is a complicated condition occurring primarily in women's legs, arms and buttocks. The connective tissue between adipose cells is supplied by a rich lymphatic and capillary network, which has the task of favoring the exchange of nutrients between blood and tissues. When this exchange is slowed, cellular hypertrophy occurs and fluids and metabolic toxins accumulate in the spaces between cells. When the vessel network is altered for any reason, there is first an accumulation of fluids in the interstitial space (edema). Edema prevents proper local circulation, causing an increase in the number of connective cells and a consequent hardening of the tissue (sclerosis). In a second phase, the inner part of the skin, the "dermis", which connects the outer epidermis with the hypodermis and is rich in nerve structures, collagen and elastic fibers, can also be affected. If not treated, cellulite degenerates into nodular formations that are visible on the skin surface and rather hard and painful to the touch.
Cellulite is often associated with fat or adiposity but is a wholly mistaken concept. In fact, these are two absolutely distinct phenomena, though in some cases they may manifest themselves simultaneously. Cellulite is a problem that mainly affects women, starting from adolescence, but not only overweight women, slender and muscular women can also be affected. A woman can have a perfect ratio of body weight to height, or be decidedly thin, yet have evident manifestations of cellulite. In such a case, slimming treatments and controlled low-calorie diets which imply sacrificing food are not recommended for treating cellulite. Specific treatments in specialized centers, on the contrary, will be of considerable help. Cellulite lends a spongy appearance to the skin, which for this reason is likened to orange peel. The most affected region is the upper side of the thighs, near the upper extremity of the femur. Other areas that may be affected are the buttocks, the inside of the knees and inner thighs, the arms, the upper part of the legs, calves, ankles and in some cases even the breasts.
Cellulite can be controlled by employing thermal shock. Multiple hot/cold exchanges during a treatment cycle accelerates metabolism to work three times faster, enhancing blood circulation, tissue oxygenation, nutrient absorption and speeding up the removal of toxins.
The Cryo T-Shock targets cellulite through three main approaches:
- Over time, the connective tissue in the leg stiffens resulting in stagnant fluid. Switching between hot and cold, thermal shock boosts metabolism and circulation in the treated area which softens the stiff connective tissue.
- During the process of inducing heat in the area, the stagnant fluid which was trapped by the stiff connective tissue can now exit.
- As a result of the combination of stagnant fluid and stiff connective tissue fatty edemas form in the area resulting in uneven skin texture which is visually defined as cellulite. The cold cycle reduces the size of these edemas with the end goal being a full reduction in the visual appearance of cellulite in the target area.
Utilizing all 3 aspects of this approach allow for visually evident results within a short period of time, generally after the first few sessions. These thermal shock exchanges also have additional benefits such as increased metabolism and calorie consumption as well as increased blood flow and reduced tissue hardening.
The Science of Skin Rejuvenation and Facials
Along with wrinkles and fine lines, saggy skin is an age-related concern on many people’s minds. This loss of definition can happen almost anywhere on the body, but the most common areas are the face, neck, abdomen, legs and arms. Sagging skin is caused by several factors, including thinning of the epidermis and collagen loss.
The sun plays a huge role in premature signs of aging. A study of one trusted source including 298 Caucasian women from ages 30 to 78 found that ultraviolet exposure was responsible for 80 percent of visible facial aging signs. This includes wrinkles, vascular disorders and sagging skin. These rays both damage and break down the skin’s elastin over time, leading to premature sagging. Years of sun exposure can even cause thinning of the epidermis.
Skin expands as the body gains weight. When a person has carried around more weight for some time, it can damage the skin’s collagen and elastin fibers. This affects skin’s ability to snap back into place after weight loss. The same thing happens during pregnancy, when the skin expands over the abdomen.
Since loose skin can dramatically affect a person’s self-esteem, many people choose to undergo skin removal surgery (tummy tuck) which is expensive and leaves them with scarring.
Undergoing thermal shock sessions with Cryo T-Shock devices can help reverse the signs of aging skin and can also help contract loose skin without the need for surgery. During a thermal shock treatment, skin vessels and capillaries undergo a period of vasoconstriction followed by vasodilation. This causes stored toxins trapped in the skin layers to be broken down and flushed away. Heat actives collagen production in the deeper layers of the skin. Cold tightens the skin, reduces inflammation and has a lifting effect. The back and forth exchanges between heat and cold reinvigorates elasticity and an improved overall youthful feeling. As the wand passes over the skin it acts to realign the collagen and elastin fibers.
Thermal shock for skin rejuvenation and facials have 5 different components taking place:
- A smoothing effect as it restores the endocellular organic turnover
- Detoxification: increased oxygenation and tissue nutrition
- Radiance: revitalizes metabolic processes in every single cell
- Increases hydration of surface layers, enriching skin thickness
- Enhances collagen and elastin fiber distention
In total, this provides a noticeably toned and lifted look off the table with an anti-aging effect providing a more youthful appearance following in the next 1-3 days after a service.
Cryo T-Shock devices also contain powerful skin contraction protocols which feature an extended period of cold bookended by heat. This vasodilation/ vasoconstriction/ vasodilation effect contracts loose, saggy skin.