Frequently Asked Questions
How does cryotherapy work?
The full body cryosauna uses a gaseous form of nitrogen to lower skin surface temperature by 30-50 degrees during a 2 to 3 minute session. The exposed skin reacts to the extreme temperatures by sending messages to the brain that stimulate the natural regulatory functions of the body. In addition, the skin’s exposure to these subzero temperatures triggers the release of anti-inflammatory molecules and endorphins, and increases oxygen circulation within the bloodstream.
How do I feel after a session and what frequency should I use it to feel benefits?
Full body cryotherapy stimulates the body to release endorphins, the hormones that make us feel alert and energetic. The energizing effects from each session typically last 6 to 8 hours post treatment. The more treatments you do in close succession, the longer the endorphin high lasts. Many clients also report improvements in their sleep quality after cryotherapy. Depending on your physical condition, you may feel immediate relief from joint and muscle pain, improved energy, and increased flexibility that will last for several hours or even days. While every therapy session is beneficial and you’ll feel immediate results, research has shown that you will experience improved and cumulative benefits after a minimum of 10 sessions within a 2 or 3 week period. To achieve peak performance, clients might benefit from having up to two sessions a day with a minimum of 4 hours between sessions.
Is cryotherapy comfortable?
The treatment usually only lasts between 1.5 and 3 minutes, and the cold air does not contain any moisture nor is there any air current, so it is very tolerable. Towards the end of the treatment, you may get a pins and needles sensation, but it’ll disappear immediately after leaving the cryochamber. Even if you are claustrophobic, you can still use the cryochamber. The chamber is open at the top and adjusted to fit the height of the client, and your head and neck are always above the opening so you are not fully enclosed. Although the cryochamber has a door that will be closed during the treatment, it will not be locked so you may step out at any time if needed.
How does whole body cryotherapy compare to an ice bath?
Whole body cryotherapy treatments result in a very different response from the body compared to traditional ice baths. 2 to 3 minutes in the cryosauna, which is a cold, dry nitrogen vapor, is equivalent to 20-30 minutes in an ice bath without the uncomfortable feeling of submerging in ice cold water. The nitrogen vapor chills the top layers and cold receptors, lowering the outer body’s temperature 30-50 degrees. This reduction causes the brain to restrict blood flow to your extremities, which is the body’s natural fight or flight response to extreme cold. The body reacts to full body cryotherapy by releasing anti-inflammatory proteins and endorphins resulting in supercharged blood. 15 minutes in an ice bath of cold water initially causes the body to move blood to the extremities and results in a lowering of the body’s core temperature. Ice baths do not supercharge the blood like whole body cryotherapy.
Is cryotherapy dangerous?
No. The liquid nitrogen that is used as a chilling agent does not come into contact with your skin, and it is the same nitrogen that makes up the air we breathe (actually 78% of it). Nitrogen is a friendly, non-toxic gas and is as common and safe as oxygen. In the chamber, a person breathes room air. For added safety, chambers are equipped with an oxygen monitor. A trained operator is always present during the treatment to control the temperature levels and monitor your comfort. Additionally, using the cryochamber will not cause you to catch a cold. The stimulation of the immune system can actually help decrease the severity and frequency of future colds.
What should I wear during a cryotherapy treatment?
The most important safety precaution is that the client and their clothing are completely dry upon entering the chamber. Because of the very low temperatures, clients are required to wear cotton or wool foot and hand protection plus either cotton underwear or a bathing suit to protect intimate parts. All other clothing is removed. Jewelry should not be worn. Showering is not necessary before or after cryotherapy. The entire procedure is dry and does not make your skin wet. Many clients come by during their lunch break since the entire treatment is only three minutes long. We can accommodate many scheduling requests.
Is there anyone who should not use the cryotherapy chamber?
Anyone who is pregnant, has severe unmanaged hypertension (BP > 180/100), has a cardiac pacemaker, is being treated for cancer, has deep vein thrombosis, acute or recent myocardial infarction (heart attack), uncontrolled seizures, fever, unstable angina pectoris, Raynaud’s syndrome, cold allergy, acute kidney and urinary tract diseases, open wounds or ulcers, or is under the influence of drugs or alcohol is advised not to use cryotherapy.