Whole Body Cryotherapy

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The term “cryotherapy” comes from the Greek cryo (κρυο) meaning cold, and therapy (θεραπεια) meaning cure. Cryotherapy is the local or general use of low temperatures to help promote wellness that dates back to ancient civilizations. Historically Cryotherapy has included the use of ice packs on a localized portion of the body, such as the lower back or ice baths used on larger surface areas or the whole body, particularly by athletes.

Whole Body Cryotherapy (WBC) is the exposure of the body to extremely cold temperatures. WBC originated in Japan in the late 1970’s, where it was studied as a powerful treatment for those suffering from inflammation and pain from a number of chronic conditions. Over the next 30 years, it spread throughout Europe and Asia, becoming widely known for its wide range of performance and health benefits.

When you’re in the cryotherapy chamber, the extreme cold on your skin triggers a reaction from your central nervous system. Your overall circulation is restricted, pulling much of the blood into the core. Once your brief exposure to the cold is over and you begin to warm up, the circulation is pushed back above its previous levels, releasing endorphins and oxygen-rich blood throughout your system. Endorphins are the body’s natural pain inhibitors and mood elevators, and the increased flow of oxygenated and nutrient-rich blood reduces inflammation by clearing out toxins and other waste, while also stimulating cellular regeneration.

​Whole Body Cryotherapy treatments are administered individually via a CryoSauna. The cryosauna uses gasiform nitrogen to rapidly lower the skin’s top layer to 32°F while cabin temperature drops to a range of (minus) -​220°F to -274°F. During the two to three minutes of extreme cold, the brain stimulates the body’s organ regulatory functions resulting in energy increase, cell rejuvenation, immune system boost, and overall system self-healing.

No, nitrogen is a friendly, non-toxic gas. Nitrogen composes 78% of the air that we breathe. The other components are 16% Oxygen, 1% Hydrogen and 5% other gases. Nitrogen is as common and safe as Oxygen.

WBC is very well tolerated and has minimal risks. Fluctuations in blood pressure during the procedure by up to 10 points systolically (reverses after the procedure as peripheral circulation returns to normal), allergic reaction to extreme cold (rare), claustrophobia, anxiety, activation of some viral conditions (cold sores, etc.) due to stimulation of the immune system. Protective clothing (socks, gloves, undergarments) must be dry in order to avoid frostbite.

Studies over the last 20 years have established WBC as a powerful option for the treatment of injuries and inflammation. WBC has been adopted for use by many professional and collegiate sports teams and other elite athletes to improve recovery times and performance. It is also becoming accepted as a way to treat inflammation and as a method for managing pain. In Europe, WBC is now considered to be a standard part of a comprehensive treatment of rheumatologic diseases.

WBC treatments result is a very different response from the body. Three minutes of extreme, dry cold reaches only the top skin layers and receptors causing the brain to restrict blood flow to an internal cycle. Fifteen minutes of cold water therapy initially causes the body to move blood to the extremities and results in a chilled lowering of the body’s core temperature.

Dry socks with a slipper/sandal for the feet, light cotton gloves for the hands and a dry undergarment. All jewelry, watches, chains, bracelets, earrings are removed. Cryotherapy is a dry cold with no moisture and tolerable even to those who consider themselves cold-intolerant.

Cryotherapy stimulates the body to release endorphins, the hormones that make us feel good and energetic. The buoyant effects from each session typically last for six to eight hours. Many clients report improvements in their sleep quality after cryotherapy.

No. The immediate cold impact of the cryotherapy will raise the internal body temperature for a short period of time. The stimulation of the immune system can help decrease the severity and frequency of future colds.

The following conditions are contraindications for WBC: Pregnancy, severe hypertension (BP > 180/100), hypothyroidism, acute or recent myocardial infarction (heart attack: need to be cleared for exercise), narrowing of valves, crescent-shaped aorta and mitral valve, unstable angina pectoris, arrhythmia, symptomatic cardiovascular disease, cardiac pacemaker, peripheral arterial occlusive disease, venous thrombosis, acute or recent cerebrovascular accident (stroke: must be cleared for exercise), uncontrolled seizures, Raynaud’s syndrome, fever, tumor disease, symptomatic lung disorders, bleeding disorders, severe anemia, infection, claustrophobia, cold allergy, acute kidney and urinary tract diseases, incontinence, age less than 18 years (parental consent required).

Depending upon the condition being treated, it should initially take seven to ten treatments in close succession (every other day). After this initial loading period, maintenance treatments should be once per week.

Yes, actually it's encouraged.  An advantage of cryotherapy over ice therapy is that tissues and muscle are not frozen. Ten minutes of light exercise post cryotherapy will induce more rapid vasodilation of the vessels and capillaries, and extend the period of analgesia.

Cryotherapy involves hyper-cooled air flowing over the skin surface so the process never freezes skin tissues, muscles or organs. The result is only a “feeling” of being cold. The body is being tricked into believing that this extreme cold is life threatening.