Frequently Asked Questions

Who Developed Cryotherapy?

Whole Body CryoTherapy was originally developed in Japan in 1978 and has been used in Europe and Japan for more than three decades. Multiple research studies have been published in medical journals about the effects of Whole Body CryoTherapy, and in many European countries, the therapies are covered by medical insurance policies.

Is Cryotherapy Safe?

CryoTherapy saunas or spas have been used for almost 40 years. Problems only arise if a client steps into the machine with wet clothing, especially wet socks, as water will freeze immediately at these temperatures. The nitrogen being used to cool these chambers is the same nitrogen that makes up the air we breathe (actually 78% of it). In either type of chamber, the client breathes room-air. For added safety, chambers are also equipped with an oxygen monitor. In order to protect the more temperature sensitive tissues such as hands and feet, clients wear dry socks, slippers, and gloves, which we provide.

Is Cryotherapy Comfortable?

Before entering the CryoSpa, clients are required to dress in protective clothing composed of cotton socks, cotton underwear (for men), and gloves. The therapy is of short duration (2-3 minutes), and the cold is ‘dry’, so it is very tolerable. Towards the end of the therapy, you may get a ‘pins and needles’ sensation, which disappears immediately after the therapy.

How Should I Feel After Cryotherapy?

Our clients report that after each session, they feel good and energetic. During each session, the body releases endorphins, which are hormones that make you feel good and energetic. The buoyant effects from each session last at least six-eight hours and increase with a number of therapy sessions. Typically most clients feel an immediate decrease of inflammation, improved energy and increased flexibility within the first few minutes or hours that will last for several hours or even days. Clients also may not feel the first impact until the next morning after a sleep cycle – many report deeper sleep and relief from joint and muscle pain and inflammation over the following 48-72 hours.

How Does Cryotherapy Compare to an Ice Bath?

Whole Body CryoTherapy therapies result is a very different response from the body. Three minutes of extreme, dry cold reaches only the top skin layers and receptors causing the brain to restrict blood flow to an internal cycle. Fifteen minutes of cold water therapy initially causes the body to move blood to the extremities and results in a chilled lowering of the body’s core temperature.

Is Nitrogen Gas Dangerous to Human Beings?

No, nitrogen is a non-toxic gas. Nitrogen composes approximately 78% of the air that we breathe. The other components are roughly 20% Oxygen, and small amounts other gases.

How Many Therapies Should I Do?

A typical course is 5 – 10 therapies in close succession (separated by 1-2 days — e.g. 3x/week. After that, you can take fewer therapies spaced further apart to maintain and improve results (e.g. once every week or two weeks).

Can I Catch a Cold Because of Cryotherapy?

No. The immediate cold impact of the cryotherapy session will raise the internal body temperature for a short period of time.

I am Claustrophobic. May I Use Whole Body Cryotherapy?

Yes, you may. The door is never locked and you may step out at any moment.

Do I Need to Shower Before or After?

No, you don’t. This procedure is absolutely dry and does not make your skin wet.

What Are the Risks of Whole Body Cryotherapy?

Whole Body CryoTherapy is very well tolerated. Fluctuations in blood pressure during the procedure can change by 10 points (this effect reverses after the end of the procedure, as peripheral circulation returns to normal), allergic reaction to extreme cold (rare), claustrophobia, redness, and skin burns (only if exposed to low temperatures longer than recommended) have been reported.

Do You Accept Insurance?

Unfortunately this is not covered by insurance, however, you may be able to use a Health Savings Account.