HOW do you stop a red-hot team from burning out due to a five-day turn around?

Throw them in the freezer.

The Parramatta Eels have tried an experimental treatment, which involves placing players in a chamber at minus 80C wearing nothing but budgie smugglers and mittens.

Faced with just a five-day turnaround between their 36-6 win over the Raiders on Saturday and Thursday’s grudge match against the Se Eagles, the Eels turned to the shock therapy in a bid to aid players’ recovery.

One by one, the Eels got into a portable cryotherapy chamber for six to eight minutes, enduring temperatures of minus 80C of cold dry air.

media_camera Parramatta Eels player Nathan Peats is a fan of cryotherapy. Picture: Mark Evans

Eels hooker Nathan Peats, who returned to Parramatta’s first grade side following injury on Saturday, said the playing group was embracing the treatment available to them.

“It’s all right. We’ve done it before on the Gold Coast and I’ve been in it three times this week,” he said.

“All the boys are enjoying it. I think it is mind over matter.”

Peats said he wasn’t fussed about the five-day turnaround, but said some players suffering from injuries may not like it as it gives limited time to be ready for the next game.

media_camera Eels forward Danny Wicks endures freezing cold temperatures while in the cryotherapy chamber.

Cryosports director Tony Northwood said the Eels were one of a small amount of NRL and AFL clubs that were starting to use ­cryotherapy treatment.

Despite being criticised for a lack of scientific research, it is extremely popular in Europe and the US, gaining exposure by being regularly used by NBA and NFL stars.

“It’s obviously used for a speedy recovery,” Northcott said.

“The Eels are in the process of a five-day turn around and recovery is a major part of sport. The day after the game is a day off so the body can recover so you can’t get through many training sessions.

“But cryotherapy helps players recover quickly so that they can get practice in before the next match in four or five days time.”

media_camera Cryosports director Tony Northwood (right) has the only mobile cryotherapy chamber in Australia. Picture: David Clark

Northcott said clubs also like to use it on injured players as the process dramatically reduces swelling, allowing club doctors and physiotherapists to check out an injury sooner rather than later.

Another perk is that it helps by giving users a good nights sleep.

Parramatta and Souths have used cryotherapy, and Penrith and Manly are looking into using the portable cryotherapy chamber.

media_camera West Coast Eagles AFL player Nic Naitanui (pictured) and other AFL players have also tried cryotherapy. Picture: @RealNaitanui Twitter

The Queensland Maroons are also considering using cryotherapy during origin camps.

The Eels tried cryotherapy sessions while on the Gold Coast last year ­between back-to-back road games.