Cold Therapy: The Glacial Shell Technique

Chill Out with Cold Therapy

Cold therapy, also known as cryotherapy, is the local or general exposure of the body to subzero temperatures. Its modern use was developed in Japan in 1978 for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Since then, the benefits of cryotherapy have been studied and refined in Europe.

Now being utilized in the U.S., cryotherapy is creating beneficial results.

Glacial Shells are a type of cryotherapy massage tool. Glacial Shell massage sessions target pain and inflammation, with a primary goal of accelerating tissue healing and improving circulation.

Created from a nonporous blend of real seashells and high quality porcelain, Glacial Shells will not absorb oils, dead skin cells, dirt or bacteria, making them easy to clean and sanitize. The shells utilize a completely natural technology of a Glacial Gel sachet and activator solution that allows the shells to stay cool for up to 30 minutes.

Each shell is cast from an ergonomically shaped tiger striped clamshell, the same type of shell used for the naturally self-heating Lava Shell massage tool.

Offering a truly unique anatomy, the shells feature a hinge, or small rounded knob, that is ideal for stimulating pressure points and working into small, tight knots or problem areas.

The crown of every Glacial Shell is a smooth, carefully polished, gently rounded surface. It is the most versatile of the shell’s parts and the one that will transmit the greatest amount of cold therapy. The crown can be used for the deepest, most penetrating cold therapy bodywork, ultimately reducing muscle spasm by reducing the muscle’s ability to maintain a contraction.

The crown is excellent for performing long, broad strokes across major muscle groups, especially along the spine, over the calves and thighs, and around the neck and shoulders. Use of the crown is ideal for decreasing feeling to areas of injury. The coldness from the shells decreases feeling in the targeted area by reducing the ability of the nerve endings to conduct impulses.

The edge of every Glacial Shell is a smooth, jag-free surface that excels at applying cold therapy to narrow areas. The edge can be used as a dragging tool, or for wringing and pulling strokes

Glacial Shells offer a truly unique modality for offering cryotherapy on spa and massage treatment menus. With a growing number of male clientele frequenting spas, consider offering a signature treatment geared toward male athletes of all disciplines to assist with speedy recovery for ultimate performance.