The benefits of cold therapy have been documented as far back as the Ancient Egyptians, who noted its healing, anti-inflammatory effects thousands of years ago. Cryotherapy was first developed in the 1970’s by a Japanese doctor named Dr. Toshima Yamaguchi. He was looking for ways to help treat his patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis and discovered that by exposing them to the extreme cold of a cryochamber, he was able to reduce the pain and inflammation associated with their condition. By the 80’s and 90’s, this technology had been adopted throughout Europe to treat more than just autoimmune conditions. It was being used by athletes for recovery and performance gains, and anyone looking to reduce inflammation and implement a healthier lifestyle.

The user steps into a standing chamber, where super-cool nitrogen vapor is carefully distributed to reach an ambient air temperature of about -200°F. Each session lasts anywhere from 2-3 minutes. While this happens, thermal receptors on the surface of the skin are activated, telling the brain to constrict blood vessels in the extremities, concentrate blood flow to the vital organs in the core of the body, and release a host of healing compounds to address the perceived stressor. Once the session is over, blood flow rebounds and the fortified blood from the core returns to the muscles and bones of the extremities, delivering beneficial compounds that enhance healing, recovery, and performance. Think of it as a way to activate your internal pharmacy, the natural healing pathways we are born with.

Multitudes of studies have been done to determine the medical benefits of cryotherapy. Our Benefits page summarizes these findings. For a deeper dive on the science behind this therapy, sign up for our email list at the bottom of this page and receive free access to the Cryogenx Scientific Report, a summary of the most recent peer-reviewed publications regarding Whole Body Cryotherapy.

Users are provided with feet and hand protection. Dry underwear bottoms are required for both men and women. Tops are optional. More clothing may be worn but the more skin that is exposed to the cooling effect, the better the results. Modesty is preserved during supervision, because the hands and face are the only visible body parts during the treatment. All jewelry below the neck and any clothing with metal components must be removed. Ear muffs are available for added protection for people who do not wish to remove earrings during the treatment. A robe is provided to be worn while entering and exiting the chamber. If you have have any body piercings that cannot be removed for the therapy, they must be covered with dry clothing.

The feeling of a cryotherapy treatment is akin to standing in front of an open freezer while naked. The main distinction between this and other cold therapies, like ice baths, is that the process is completely dry. No moisture is required and it is important that the user be totally dried off during the treatment. Be sure to dry off all sweat or water if coming from a workout or shower. Towels are provided for this purpose. No shower or cleaning is required after the treatment, making it a convenient therapy for any time of day.

Cryotherapy is generally well tolerated and poses minimal risks. A properly trained supervisor will always be present during the time of treatment. There are contraindications for certain conditions such as: pregnancy, severe hypertension, myocardial infarction, unstable angina pectoris, arrhythmia, symptomatic cardiovascular disease, cardiac pacemaker, peripheral arterial occlusive disease, deep vein thrombosis, acute or recent cerebrovascular accidents, uncontrolled seizures, Rynaud’s Syndrome, cold intolerance/allergy, cold-activated asthma, flu and fever. Let your doctor know of any concerns or conditions before treatment.

2-3x a week are recommended for best results. Some studies monitored athletes undergoing treatments twice a day, spaced out by several hours, but this frequency is usually for high level athletes, or those enhancing injury rehabilitation.

Yes. Cryotherapy studies have shown recovery and healing benefits for treatments after a workout, and also performance benefits for sessions done before a workout or competition. Timing is dependent on your goals and which benefits you are looking to maximize.

Currently, cryotherapy is not a recognized medical treatment in the USA, so insurance will not provide reimbursement. It is considered a wellness modality.