3 minute read
Using Science and Innovation to Treat Pain
By Todd Fuqua
Sarah Lieb (BS 16) was a coach and teacher in Texas before deciding to make a career change. After seeing the physical rehabilitation needs of athletes and non-athletes alike, she earned a certification in personal training online from the International Sports Sciences Association, and began working as a personal trainer before opening her own studio. Once in business for herself, she researched other forms of sports fitness treatment and discovered cryotherapy. After further exploration, she realized this was a field she wanted to pursue.
Eventually, she took her business to Clovis, New Mexico, where she owns and operates Clovis Cryo.
“Cryotherapy uses low temperatures to perform a treatment,” Sarah said. “It’s special because of its ability to instantly reduce pain and inflammation, helping the body heal naturally.”
Clovis Cryo offers two types of treatment – localized and full body. In localized therapy, cold temperatures are applied to specific muscle areas such as the lower back, neck, ankles, and wrists. This flushes the tissue of fluid and waste to reduce inflammation and swelling. As a result, there is an improved range of motion and faster recovery time.
In full-body cryotherapy, clients stand in a cryo-chamber for three minutes, exposing the body to subzero temperatures while wearing minimal clothing. While this may sound uncomfortable, Sarah said the benefits go beyond pain relief and physical healing. Anxiety and depression decreased in clients thanks to reduced pain and increased overall well-being.
The recovery and healing time from such treatments allow clients to return to total activity in half the expected time for many injuries. This is a tremendous advantage for student-athletes during a competitive season.
“From where I started to where I am today is exactly where I want to be,” she said. “We’ve paired cryotherapy with a 24-hour gym and recovery services and even have a full-time massage therapist. I guess my next goal is to offer strength and speed training to young athletes.”
Sarah’s past with ENMU continues to drive her. She was the MVP for the ENMU women’s basketball team for two seasons, leading the team in scoring and being selected All-Lone Star Conference twice. She also served as a graduate assistant coach at Angelo State and coached volleyball and basketball in the Texas public school system.
“My experience playing and coaching, and my ENMU degree in sports recreation management, prepared me to help student-athletes reach the next level, both high school and college.”
