Cryotherapy – what is it, does it work?
Your complete guide!
WHAT IS CRYOTHERAPY?
Cryotherapy, derived from the Greek words “cryo” meaning cold and “therapy” meaning cure, is a treatment technique that involves exposing the body to extremely cold temperatures for a few minutes. The process can be localized to a specific area or applied to the entire body. In whole-body cryotherapy, individuals stand in a chamber or enclosure that surrounds their body but has an opening for their head at the top. The temperature inside these chambers can drop to between -200°F and -300°F (-128°C and -184°C). The treatment typically lasts three minutes.
How does Cryotherapy work?
Whole Body Cryotherapy uses ultra-cooled nitrogen gas application to lower the client’s skin temperature 30 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 minutes. Thermoreceptors in the skin send messages to the brain and central nervous system and the body goes into “Survival Mode” by sending hyper-oxygenated and nutritious blood via vasoconstriction to the body’s vital organs in its core. After exiting the ultra-cooled environment, the body begins the warm to its natural temperature and vasodilation occurs, sending the oxygenated and nutritious blood back out to the body’s periphery. This process provides the body with extra nutrients, rids the body of toxins, produces collagen, and activates the body’s natural cell regeneration cycle to produce newer, healthier cells.
Is Whole Body Cryotherapy safe?
Yes. Cryotherapy has been researched and studied, in the United States and Europe, since 1978. Because WBC uses cold air, the cooling agents never actually come into contact with your skin. The air is chilled using liquid nitrogen, and nitrogen makes up 78% of the air we breath. Because the temperature change to your body is only superficial, your internal body temperature remains constant throughout treatment. Your head is always kept outside of the low temperature area.
The Cryosauna is equipped with a number of safety features. While the door closes, it never locks, so you are in full control of your environment. A trained operator is always present to ensure your maximum safety. In addition the room is equipped with oxygen sensors and proper ventilation systems to ensure optimal air quality. Our staff is fully trained to make sure you experience both ultimate healing and ultimate safety.
How long does a session take?
A full session lasts 3 minutes but you are able to get out of the chamber at any point. From the time you walk through the doors until the time you leave will generally take no longer than 15 minutes.
How often should I cryo to receive the best results?
The frequency of treatment depends on the condition you are attempting to treat. Whole Body Cryotherapy treatments can be administered as frequently as twice in a singe day. In general, 5-10 consecutive initial treatments, administered as close together as possible (daily or every other day) will deliver the most profound results, followed by spaced out treatments to maintain and improve upon your initial results. Contact one of our knowledgeable technicians to discuss your individual needs.
What are the benefits of Cryotherapy?
There are numerous benefits to Whole-body treatments. For athletes and those in training (marathons, triathlons, etc…), Whole Body and Localized Cryotherapy are used to help relieve chronic pain, decrease inflammation, speed recovery time, increase athletic performance, and reduce delayed onset muscle soreness. Whole Body Cryotherapy treatments are beneficial for everyday health, wellness, and beauty benefits. Since the outer layer of skin is lowered, capillaries and blood vessels undergo vasoconstriction, immediately followed by vasodilation. This causes the body to release toxins and feel good endorphins. Some additional benefits include: pain relief from chronic medical conditions, increased circulation throughout your body, treatment of mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. This cutting edge treatment assists with clearing of skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and acne, reduction in the appearance of cellulite, and tighter, more youthful looking skin.
Can I exercise or workout directly before or after cryotherapy?
Yes. It is recommended that you workout before getting a cryotherapy treatment because you can obtain great muscle and joint recovery due to the anti-inflammatory benefits of cryotherapy. If you choose to workout after your cryotherapy treatment you can expect a higher pain tolerance, more energy, more range of motion, great flexibility and higher abilities in general.
Is Nitrogen gas dangerous?
No, nitrogen is a non-toxic gas that is in the air we breathe every day.
Is Cryotherapy comfortable, even if I’m intolerant to cold?
Yes. Cryotherapy involves dry, hyper-cooled air flowing over the skin surface (only penetrating the skin surface), so the process never freezes skin tissues, muscles or organs. You will experience a chill to the outer surface of your body and the result is only a “feeling” of being cold. The body is being tricked into believing that this extreme cold is life threatening. Cooled nitrogen is very dry (no moisture, like an wet ice bath is) and tolerable even to those who consider themselves cold intolerant. Your vital organs, muscles and tissues will all remain at their normal body temperature. The process of Cryotherapy never freezes the skin or soft tissue; the sensation of coldness is what actually drives the systemic response. Cryotherapy improves circulation throughout the body and stimulates production of brown fat, so your future ability to tolerate cold should improve. Towards the end of the treatment, you may get a “pins and needles” sensation like it is falling asleep which will dissipate after the treatment.
How does Whole Body Cryotherapy compare to an ice bath?
An ice bath, which involves submersing a patient in cold water for about 10-30 minutes to encourage the body to increase circulation and healing. An ice bath will feel much colder and uncomfortable due to direct conductivity of water to the skin. However the air conductivity to the skin is different hence you don’t feel as cold as an ice bath. WBC triggers the same and advanced healing mechanisms by exposing the body to hyper cool air, resulting in a more comfortable and more effective session in only 3 minutes max.
As long as your body doesn’t touch any side of the inner walls you can proceed with treatment.
Is there an age limit?
What do I wear?
Lost in Float provides every client with a robe, socks, slippers and gloves that are used to protect your extremities during the treatment. Men are required to wear boxers or underwear. All clients must remove all jewelry and exterior metal/body piercings. Additionally, it is recommended that you pat yourself dry with a towel and do not apply oils, lotions, or cologne immediately prior to treatment.
Why is it necessary to wear socks, gloves and undergarments?
Gloves, socks and undergarments are worn to protect these areas from becoming too cold. The body’s response to the ultra-cooled environment is to send blood from the body’s periphery to the vital organs in the body’s core; when blood is taken from the limbs and extremities, these areas cool down more rapidly than normal, so protective materials such as socks and gloves are necessary to ensure clients are comfortable and safe.