General Questions
What is Cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy is a treatment where you expose your body to extremely cold temperatures for a short time. This can help reduce pain, speed up recovery from injuries, improve blood flow, boost your metabolism, and decrease inflammation. People also use it for weight loss, mental clarity, and anti-aging benefits.
Who developed this therapy?
Cryotherapy was developed by Dr. Toshima Yamaguchi, a Japanese physician, in 1978. He initially used it to treat rheumatoid arthritis, and its benefits have since expanded to various health and wellness applications worldwide.
How safe is it?
Prior to each session, our therapist will provide you with an overview of cryotherapy and safety guidelines to follow. The cryochamber is cooled using liquid nitrogen vapor, ensuring that your skin only comes into contact with cool air while the liquid nitrogen is safely vaporized internally within the cryotherapy equipment, away from you. Nitrogen, being a non-hazardous gas, presents no risk, similar to breathing regular air, which contains 78% nitrogen. Furthermore, the chamber is designed with your neckline elevated above the chamber, allowing you to breathe regular room air. Your comfort is our top priority; therefore, the chamber doors are never locked, giving you full control over the therapy at all times.
Please wait for the therapist to invite you into the chamber before entering. Ensure that you are thoroughly dry and appropriately dressed. Additionally, remove any metallic clothing, jewelry, or piercings, which can be safely stored in the lockers provided.
How comfortable is it?
The therapy is generally well-tolerated and often quite relaxing. While the idea of extremely low temperatures may initially seem daunting, the dry air within the chamber ensures a comfortable experience. Since the therapy lasts only a maximum of 3 minutes, the cold is typically not unpleasant, although towards the end of the treatment, some may experience a slight pinching sensation, which quickly dissipates upon exiting the chamber.
I’m claustrophobic? Can I use it?
Certainly, you’re welcome to use it. Throughout the session, your head remains above the chamber, ensuring you breathe regular air, while our therapist maintains constant eye contact with you. Moreover, the chamber door is never locked, allowing you to exit at any time if you feel uncomfortable.
What happens during the treatment?
In the intense cold atmosphere, the skin surface temperature approaches freezing, prompting skin receptors to send signals to the brain, signaling the body’s critical condition.
In response, the body promptly triggers survival instincts, leading to enhanced overall blood circulation and increased production of serotonin, endorphins (natural painkillers and happiness hormones), and natural anti-inflammatories circulating through the bloodstream. Enhanced blood flow, enriched with oxygen and nutrients, helps flush toxins from critical organs. The body readies itself for healing and initiates a self-repair process.
How do I feel after the treatment?
Therapy sessions trigger the release of endorphins and serotonin in the body, boosting energy levels and promoting a general sense of well-being. Additionally, you may experience reduced muscle and joint pain, improved flexibility, and a radiant complexion that lasts for approximately 18-24 hours post-session. Better sleep quality is also a potential outcome. With regular sessions, benefits may extend to skin tightening, weight loss, and a reduction in cellulite.
How many treatments should I do to see changes?
The number of cryotherapy sessions you need depends on your individual needs. Just one session can give you a quick boost in energy, recovery, and well-being that lasts up to 24 hours. If you’re an athlete or fitness enthusiast, having sessions before and after workouts can help improve your strength, endurance, and recovery. For those with rheumatism, daily sessions for 2 to 3 weeks are recommended, which can reduce pain for about 9 to 12 months.
Do I need to shower before/after a session?
Because the chamber exposes you to extremely low temperature air, it’s advisable to ensure you are dry before the treatment. Therefore, there’s no need to shower beforehand. Additionally, since the entire treatment is dry, you can get dressed right after your session ends.
Ultimately, how often you should have sessions depends on your specific needs. Our therapist will discuss this with you to create a plan that works best for you.
Who should avoid Whole Body Cryotherapy?
Individuals with specific contraindications may be unable to undergo Whole Body Cryotherapy treatments. Some of these contraindications include…
Certain contraindications may prevent individuals from undergoing Whole Body Cryotherapy treatments. These include:
- Pregnancy.
- Moderately or severely elevated blood pressure (above 180/95 mmHg).
- Recent acute heart attack (within the past 6 months).
- Unstable angina pectoris.
- Cardiac arrhythmias.
- Cardiovascular diseases with symptoms.
- Pacemaker.
- Intermittent claudication (peripheral arterial disease).
- Venous thrombosis.
- Recent acute cerebral hemorrhage or stroke.
- Epileptic seizures.
- Raynaud’s phenomenon.
- Fever.
- Cancer.
- Lung conditions with symptoms.
- Bleeding disorders.
- Severe anemia.
- Claustrophobia.
- Cold allergy.
- Individuals under 18 years old (require parental consent).
- Acute kidney diseases and urinary tract disorders.
Our trained therapists are readily available to address any inquiries you may have and provide appropriate guidance.
What are the risks of Whole-Body Cryotherapy?
Whole Body Cryotherapy is generally considered a low-risk therapy and is well tolerated by all of our clients. It’s normal for there to be a slight variation in blood pressure during the therapy due to vasoconstriction, but this typically returns to normal after the session ends. The protective clothing we provide ensures that your sensitive areas are safeguarded from frostbite.
Can I get Cold from a Cryotherapy session?
You won’t catch a cold from the intense cold of cryotherapy; in fact, your body temperature rises during the session. Cryotherapy stimulates the immune system, reducing susceptibility to colds.
How can cryotherapy help rheumatic patients?
While cryotherapy isn’t a cure for rheumatism, it can effectively alleviate pain associated with the condition. A series of 10 to 20 treatments in rapid succession can produce significant relief. Patients with rheumatism often find that their pain is greatly reduced, even months after completing the treatments.
Is there anything I should avoid following a cryotherapy treatment?
Following a cryotherapy session, it’s recommended to refrain from using a Jacuzzi or hot sauna for at least 6 hours. Additionally, it’s best to avoid consuming alcohol for a couple of hours after the treatment.
Can I work out before/after a cryotherapy session?
Absolutely. We strongly encourage engaging in some form of workout right after your session. Exercising post-session can extend the benefits and enhance results. Our therapist will gladly create a customized schedule based on your needs.