FAQ's

What is Cryotherapy "Cryo"?

Whole Body Cryotherapy is a cold therapy where you step into a freezing Cryo Sauna for a few minutes in order to lower the skin’s surface temperature rapidly enough to stimulate regulatory functions of the body. Over the past 30 years, Whole Body Cryotherapy has been used to reduce inflammation, provide pain relief, and speed up recovery time, as well as many more health benefits.

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Is Cryotherapy New?

Not only has this type of cryotherapy been around for several decades, but other types of cryotherapy, such as ice baths, are some of the longest standing types of recovery modalities in the world. Modern cryotherapy as we know it today was first used in Japan in 1978 during a study on rheumatoid arthritis. Since that time the technology has been further developed in Europe and the United States. Cryotherapy first gained it's popularity with football players throughout Europe, followed by non-athletes, then came to America and became popular with our athletes (most NBA & NFL teams now have their own Cryo Saunas in-house). As we follow in the same footsteps Europe, more and more people begin to discover the wonderful benefits of this treatment.  

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How Does Cryo work? Is there evidence?

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During cryotherapy, you will step into our Cryo Sauna, which maintains a subzero temperature which will cause the skin temperature (not the core temperature) to drop rapidly.

This rapid vascular constriction sends all of the blood in your peripheral arteries to your core & vital organs.  Your session will last between 3 to 5 minutes (though if you become uncomfortable at any time you can simply push the door open). Once your session is finished and your body begins to regain its normal temperature, your blood vessels will dilate (known as vasodilation) and pull oxygen enriched blood into your muscles, joints, and other areas; stimulating the body’s natural healing abilities . This hormetic response also triggers the release of several chemicals that do a host of other great things for the human body.

 

Is Cryotherapy Safe?

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Yes. Cryo saunas have been used properly for the past 30+ years without any severe adverse reaction ever recorded. The only recorded issues have arisen when a client steps into the machine with wet clothing, such as wet socks, as water will freeze immediately at these temperatures.  As long as the client enters the chamber dry there is little risk of potential injury. 

How will Cryotherapy make me feel?

Different people respond differently to treatments.  The treatment triggers a release of endorphins and norepinephrine,  hormones that make you feel good and create energetic mood-enhancing effects which can last for days. The effects are noticeable after just one session. Most often, clients will experience a marked increase in energy levels and appetite as their metabolism ramps up post treatment.  Another commonly reported immediate affect is improved sleep and relaxation. 

What do I wear inside the Cryo Chamber?

To get the best effects of Whole Body Cryotherapy it is best to have as much skin exposure as possible. We recommend wearing undergarments to be most comfortable. We provide gloves, slippers, ear protection, and face masks that are required to be worn to protect extremities from getting too cold. If you are new to Cryotherapy, we suggest wearing socks as well to make you more comfortable in the cold. 

Should I exercise before or after Cryo?

Great question!  Cryotherapy benefits the body for different reasons when used before or after exercise. When using cryotherapy post strength training exercise, it is suggested that clients wait at least 1 hour. The flushing of toxins will assist in the removal of lactic acids which cause muscle soreness. When used prior to or between workouts, cryotherapy has been shown to increase performance and energy.  It creates a rise in metabolism which means you will burn more fat during exercise and your blood also carries more oxygen as a result of the treatment so your cardio should see short term improvement. Unlike an ice bath, when your core temperature and tissues are actually becoming colder, cryotherapy actually increases your internal temperature, so you can choose to use it pre-workout or post-workout. 

Is Cryo the same as an ice bath?

All cold-exposure therapies utilize the same hormetic response from the body. However, ice baths are to cryotherapy what a nap is to a full night's rest.  The actual healing effects on the body do not occur during the 3-5 minutes you are in the Cryo Sauna, but rather for the hours immediately after.

Who should NOT use Cryotherapy?

The following conditions are contraindications to whole body cryotherapy:

·       Pregnancy

·       Severe Hypertension (BP> 160/100)

·       Acute or recent myocardial infarction (heart attack)

·       Unstable angina pectoris

·       Arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat

·       Symptomatic cardiovascular disease

·       Cardiac pacemaker

·       Peripheral arterial occlusive disease

·       Venous thrombosis

·       Acute or recent cerebrovascular accident

·       Uncontrolled seizures

·       Raynaud’s Syndrome

·       Fever

·       Tumor disease

·       Symptomatic lung disorders

·       Bleeding disorders

·       Severe anemia

·       Infection

·       Severe claustrophobia

·       Cold allergy

·       Acute kidney and urinary tract diseases

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As with any therapy, please consult your physician prior to undergoing treatment.  

Are there any risks?

Whole body Cryotherapy is generally very well tolerated and has minimal risks: Fluctuations in blood pressure during the procedure by up to 10 points systolically (this effect reverses after the end of the procedure, as peripheral circulation returns to normal), allergic reaction to extreme cold (very rare), claustrophobia (also rare), temporary redness, and skin burns (only if exposed to low temperatures longer than recommended).  We suggest that all clients work their way up to colder temperatures and longer session times to further minimize these risks. It is important for you to have dry skin that is free of lotions and oils in order to decreases your risk of adverse reaction to the cold. 

How many treatments do I have to do?

Although patients almost always notice immediate effects after their first session, we still recommend committing to 5-10 sessions, depending on the condition of treatment, to notice the full range of benefits that cryotherapy can offer.  

If I am claustrophobic should I use Cryotherapy?

Many patients who suffer from claustrophobia can still tolerate cryotherapy well. The door is never locked or even latched but simply held closed by a small spring like your refrigerator door, and can be pushed open immediately if at any point you feel uncomfortable. If you have concerns, simply let your technician know so they are better able to assist you. 

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Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any other questions!

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