You’ve seen it on TV, but what is cryotherapy, and could this cutting-edge cold therapy be the wellness breakthrough you’ve been looking for? If you’ve heard about celebrities and athletes swearing by sessions in freezing chambers, you’re probably wondering what all the buzz is about. What is cryotherapy exactly, and more importantly, does it live up to the hype?
The short answer is that cryotherapy uses extremely cold temperatures to trigger your body’s natural healing responses. It’s like pushing a big reset button on your entire system that can help with everything from chronic pain to better sleep. Whether you’re dealing with stubborn inflammation, slow recovery after workouts, or just want to feel more energized, cryotherapy might be exactly what your body has been craving.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how this therapy works, what conditions it can help treat, and whether it’s the right wellness addition to your routine. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of whether stepping into that freezing chamber could be your next game-changing health decision.
How Whole-Body Cryotherapy Works
Whole-body cryotherapy exposes your entire body to temperatures between -85°F and -140°F (-65°C to -100°C) for just 2-4 minutes. During a cryotherapy session, you’ll step into a specialized chamber wearing minimal clothing (usually just underwear and protective gear for your hands, feet, and face) while cold air circulates.
Each session is typically three minutes, which is sufficient to trigger the body’s natural healing responses. Here’s what happens during those few minutes: the extreme cold causes your blood vessels to constrict, redirecting blood flow toward your vital organs. This process, called vasoconstriction, is followed by vasodilation when you exit the chamber, flooding your tissues with oxygen-rich blood and nutrients.
Unlike ice baths or ice packs that cool you gradually, cryotherapy chambers use either liquid nitrogen or electric cooling systems to create an environment of extreme cold that penetrates deep into your tissues. Electric cryo chambers use refrigeration as a cooling agent, which makes for a safe, breathable environment. You won’t be exposed to any dangerous gases (like nitrogen).
Cryotherapy’s rapid temperature change triggers your sympathetic nervous system, releasing endorphins (your body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals) and activating anti-inflammatory processes throughout your body. This is a full-body physiological reset that can have lasting effects.
What Issues Can Cryotherapy Treat?
Cryotherapy treatments have shown promising results for a wide range of health concerns. Over the two last decades, whole-body cryotherapy/cryostimulation (WBC) has emerged as an exciting non-pharmacological treatment influencing inflammatory events at a cellular and physiological level, which can result in improved sleep quality, faster neuromuscular recovery after high-intensity exercise, and chronic pain relief for patients suffering different types of diseases (fibromyalgia, rheumatism, arthritis).
People turn to cryotherapy for help with:
- Chronic pain conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia
- Muscle soreness and sports injuries
- Inflammation throughout the body
- Slow recovery after intense workouts
- Sleep quality issues
- Low energy and fatigue
- Certain skin conditions
- Mental health support, including anxiety and depression
- Metabolic concerns
One study found that cryotherapy improved mobility and reduced the intensity of pain in people with rheumatoid arthritis, and that the positive effect lasted at least three months afterward. This long-lasting relief is what sets cryotherapy apart from temporary fixes like ice packs.
Health Benefits of Cryotherapy
The benefits of cryotherapy go far beyond just feeling refreshed after a session. Many recent studies have confirmed the anti-inflammatory, anti-analgesic, and anti-oxidant effects of this therapy by highlighting underlying physiological responses.
Cryotherapy for Skin
Your skin responds beautifully to the controlled stress of extreme cold. The rush of blood flow that follows a cryotherapy session delivers fresh oxygen and nutrients to your skin cells, potentially improving texture, reducing inflammation, and giving you that coveted post-treatment glow.
The cold exposure can also stimulate collagen production, which helps maintain skin elasticity and may reduce the appearance of fine lines. Many people notice their skin looks brighter and feels smoother after regular cryotherapy sessions.
Pain Relief
Exposing the skin and muscle to cold causes your blood vessels to constrict and then dilate, which can significantly reduce inflammation and numb pain signals. This makes cryotherapy particularly effective for chronic pain conditions.
The numbing effect of cold temperatures provides immediate relief, while the anti-inflammatory response offers longer-term benefits. For people dealing with arthritis, fibromyalgia, or sports injuries, this dual action can mean less reliance on pain medications and improved quality of life.
Metabolism Improvements
Effects on inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolism play a key role in cryotherapy’s potential to mitigate aging processes and disease risks. This offers a proactive measure for longevity. The metabolic boost from cryotherapy happens because your body works harder to maintain its core temperature during and after the treatment.
This increased metabolic activity can continue for hours after your session, potentially burning extra calories and supporting weight management goals. A 2020 study found that 20 whole-body cryotherapy sessions significantly reduced abdominal obesity in menopausal women, demonstrating measurable changes in body composition. Some people also report improved energy levels and better appetite regulation after incorporating regular cryotherapy into their wellness routine.
Better Sleep Quality
If you struggle with sleep issues, cryotherapy might help improve your rest quality. The therapy’s effect on your nervous system can promote relaxation and better sleep patterns. Research published in the European Journal of Sport Science found that 3-minute whole-body cryotherapy sessions after evening training improved both subjective and objective sleep quality in physically active men. The study showed improvements in slow-wave sleep, which is crucial for physical recovery and mental restoration.
Is Cryotherapy Right for Me?
Cryotherapy can benefit most healthy adults, but it’s not suitable for everyone. You might be an ideal candidate if you’re dealing with chronic inflammation, slow recovery from workouts, persistent pain, or want to boost your overall wellness.
However, cryotherapy isn’t recommended for people with certain heart conditions, uncontrolled high blood pressure, pregnancy, severe anemia, or eating disorders. If you have any underlying health conditions, it’s important to check with your healthcare provider before trying cryotherapy treatments.
The beauty of cryotherapy is that you’ll likely know pretty quickly if it’s working for you. Many people feel energized and notice reduced pain or inflammation within hours of their first session. The positive effects of cryotherapy tend to build with regular use, so consider committing to a series of sessions to experience the full benefits.
Cryotherapy pairs wonderfully with other wellness treatments. At 212 Med Spa, many clients combine their sessions with our infrared sauna or Himalayan salt sauna services (we call this “contrast therapy” because of the cold and heat combination) for enhanced detoxification and relaxation.
Book a Cryotherapy Appointment at 212 Med Spa
Ready to try the power of extreme cold for yourself? At 212 Med Spa in Edmonds, we’ve seen firsthand how cryotherapy can transform how people feel in their bodies. Our state-of-the-art cryotherapy chamber provides a safe, controlled environment where you can experience all the benefits of this cutting-edge therapy.
Whether you’re an athlete looking to speed up recovery, someone dealing with chronic pain, or just curious about adding something new to your wellness routine, we’re here to guide you through the process. Visit our cryotherapy services page to learn more about what to expect during your session.
You might also be interested in our other cold therapies, like our cold plunge service, which offers similar benefits through a different approach. For comprehensive recovery, consider adding compression therapy to enhance circulation and accelerate healing.
Take the (figurative) plunge! Contact us to schedule your first cryotherapy session and see what all the excitement is about.
FAQ
How cold is cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy chambers typically reach temperatures between -85°F and -140°F (-65°C to -100°C). Nitrogen cryo chambers use nitrogen to cool down the chamber and reach temperatures of -190°F. While these temperatures sound extreme, the dry air and short duration make the experience tolerable for most people.
Does cryotherapy hurt?
Cryotherapy doesn’t hurt, though you’ll definitely feel the cold! Most people describe the sensation as intensely cold but manageable. The treatment lasts just 2-4 minutes, and your body’s natural endorphin release often creates a euphoric feeling afterward. Any initial discomfort usually fades quickly as you warm up.
Does cryotherapy burn calories?
Yes, cryotherapy can burn calories as your body works to maintain its core temperature during and after the treatment. While it’s not a replacement for exercise, the metabolic boost from cold exposure can contribute to your overall calorie burn for several hours post-treatment.
How long does it take to see results from cryotherapy?
Many people feel immediate effects like increased energy and reduced pain right after their first session. For optimal results, most practitioners recommend a series of treatments over several weeks, with many people noticing cumulative benefits after 5-10 sessions. Some research shows that the positive effects can last for months after completing a treatment series.
What are some similar services or cold therapies available at 212?
At 212 Med Spa, we offer several complementary cold and recovery therapies. Our cold plunge offers similar benefits through water immersion, while our compression therapy enhances circulation and recovery. These treatments work beautifully together or on their own, depending on your wellness goals.
What health goals are you hoping to achieve with cryotherapy?
