From contractor to health manager: an unusual transformation that Maurizio Frassi undertook. A path that was by no means linear, fueled by the initial desire to find something to keep fit and pursue physical well-being. His quest was a true exploration in the field of health that led him to discover and approach EMS training. An innovative way to treat all muscles that harnesses the benefits of deep electrostimulation combined with exercise. He takes the next step when he decides, together with his partner Daniela Scacchi, to open a Körperformen health center in Locarno, an idea that materializes in December 2020 and becomes even stronger with the opening of two more centers at whose helm Frassi is joined respectively by Mirko Canestri for the Manno location and by Defrim Sadiku and Bekim Shabani for the Giubiasco location. The main activity carried out at the center is EMS training, this is based on deep electrostimulation combined with exercise. This is a training program capable of providing significant benefits: for example, it can increase muscle mass, shape the body or even strengthen the back; it involves a weekly session of 20 minutes, which can become two for athletes, in which you are followed by trained personal trainers. The sessions take place in very private settings, through single or at most couple sessions. During which you are followed by a dedicated personal trainer who takes care of the entire session by developing a personalized program based on the client's needs. Specifically, the EMS training system involves some exercises using Miha Bodytec electro-myo-stimulation machines. The client also wears a technical suit, consisting of a short T-shirt and shorts, to which a jacket with electrodes is to be added. The program is suitable for everyone, regardless of whether one is a sedentary person or not and of age groups: young and old will both enjoy the benefits of the treatment. Whatever the need: problems with muscle pain, back pain, arthritis, increased strength, slimming, cellulite, reactivation of metabolism indirectly; the center staff will be able to make an ad hoc program.

The client at Körperformen centers holds a central position, and there is great attention to meeting his or her needs. And, with this in mind, a thorough medical history is provided, which is followed by an initial test, all free of charge and without obligation. Only then, with complete freedom, can a decision be made whether to choose to implement the program. The challenge sustained by the owners of the Körperformen Centers in Locarno, Manno, and Giubiasco was not an easy one; in fact, coming from fields other than health, it was necessary to support the project with an in-depth study of related topics. Similarly, the development of the first center was challenging in every respect: from the construction of its interior, to the administrative organization and planning of the activity; to the search for personnel, which also proved to be very complex. Despite the many challenges faced, the team leading the centers is always working to improve and offer an increasingly comprehensive service: in fact, soon the cryo therapy room will be available: for treating the body with cold therapy. Very important, moreover, for the owners is the choice of staff, this in fact, in addition to having a solid preparation, must enjoy those special human qualities that allow them to support the person in his path, motivating and supporting him. Also interesting is the possibility of choosing affordable subscriptions, these can be three, six and twelve months and include the following sessions respectively: 12, 20+2 free, 40+4 free. There is also the option of single sessions, but this is not recommended as a matter of results over time; these, in fact, need constancy.

The Centro Körperformen in Locarno is located at 8a Vincenzo Vela Street and can be contacted at: 079 739 36 89 or e-mail: locarno@kformen.com

The Centro Körperformen in Manno is located at 1 Via Vedeggio Street, and can be contacted at: 078 222 67 18 or e-mail: manno@kformen.com

The Centro Körperformen in Giubiasco is located at 5A Via Via Campagna and can be contacted at: 079 739 36 89 or e-mail address: giubiasco@kformen.com

CRYOTHERAPY IN THE SPORTS ENVIRONMENT

Cold has important soothing and restorative properties, anyone will have happened to put ice on a bruised or injured part, to alleviate pain. Cryotherapy can be considered, the first therapy used in history to alleviate pain and symptoms associated with various diseases. The term cryotherapy comes, in fact, from Greek and literally means "cold cure." And it was precisely the Ancient Greeks who were among the first to experiment with cold therapy. Cryotherapy was designed precisely to expose the body to very low temperatures to reduce pain or inflammation. The difference from today was more in the systems used, which were certainly more rudimentary. Even the Romans had experimented with systems to expose the body to low temperatures. In fact, the baths included a frigidarium, where one went after being in the hot water pools. The frigidarium was usually located in an enclosed and covered space, and the water could also be cooled using snow.

Today cryotherapy is used in various areas including sports. Sports is a great way to keep fit and healthy. Cryotherapy applied to the whole body is the ideal "training partner". It is known to all that intense and full exercise, can cause excessive inflammation, hormonal changes, oxidative stress, tissue damage, protein oxidation. Sports medicine, has investigated methods that can accelerate the muscle recovery phase after 'intense training. One of the most popular and widely used protocols is related to cryotherapy in cryosauna.

Here is what Cryotherapy is used for in sports and why:

-Diminishes oxidative stress

-Reduces muscle inflammation

-Improves cellular vitality

-Reduces delayed onset muscle pain (DOMS)

-Improves energy intake in athletes

-Activates mitochondrial biogenesis

The use of very intense cold stimulates metabolism, improving performance even in amateur sports.

The use of cryotherapy sessions is not limited only to the sports field; in fact, there are many pathologies that can be treated through this innovative technique. Here are the main uses:

-Treatment of low back pain and lumbosciatica

-Accompanying treatments against osteoporosis or fribromyalgia

-Counteracting pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis

-Counteracting the onset and symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS)

-Reduce physical fatigue

-Improving sleep quality

-Improving cognitive processes and concentration

All this is possible because of the three main effects that a cryotherapy treatment ensures:

-Analgesic effect, pain decreases when an injured area comes into contact with a cold element due to hypothermia decreasing the transmission of nerve impulses

Anti-edemigenic effect, cold stimulates superficial vasoconstriction that prevents possible extravasation of interstitial fluid thus going to reduce swelling near the injury

An antispasmodic and myorelaxant action, the muscles are unable to maintain contraction when exposed to low temperatures, as in the case of staying in the cryogenic chamber, as cold promotes muscle relaxation, reduces tension and inflammation

Thanks to these specific capabilities of cryotherapy it will be possible in all cases to significantly reduce recovery time.

To carry out cryotherapy sessions in Canton Ticino, we recommend that you contact and visit the Körperformen Center in Manno, where cryosauna treatments are carried out, which subjects the body to temperatures ranging down to -197 °C for a duration of about 3 minutes.