Cryotherapy FAQ

What is Cryotherapy? . . .

Cryotherapy uses extremely low temperatures (about -230 degrees Fahrenheit) for short periods of time.

What are the Benefits of Cryotherapy? . . .

There are many benefits to cryotherapy and the use of Cryotherapy machines, which are also known as Cryosaunas. The vast majority of people feel immediate relaxation after cryotherapy. This makes it an effective alternative to the low-tech applications, such as ice packs and ice bath immersion.

How Long Does It Take to Feel the Benefits of Cryotherapy? . . .

It doesn’t take very long to start experiencing the benefits of Cryotherapy. During the first few moments your brain releases endorphins and adrenaline into your body as your skin temperature drops down. Your core body temperature remains at about 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Cryotherapy treatments typically only take about five minutes, but the XR Cryotherapy Chamber from Cryo Innovations provides short-term results in just three minutes. After treatment your capillaries expand delivering oxygen-rich and nutrient dense blood throughout the body. This greatly increases the speed of recovery. Users feel this as a pleasant tingling sensation and the effects can last six to eight hours.

Is a Cryotherapy Machine Right for your business? . . .

As more consumers learn about the benefits of Cryotherapy they’ll want to try it out themselves. The XR Cryotherapy Chamber from Cryo Innovations allows gyms, med spas, and chiropractic offices to offer customers additional treatment services.

Is Cryotherapy Comfortable? . . .

The treatment usually only lasts between 1.5 to 3 minutes, and the cold air does not contain any moisture, nor is there any air current, so it is very tolerable. Towards the end of the treatment you may experience shivers, but it’ll disappear immediately after leaving the cryochamber.

I'm claustrophobic, can I still use the cryotherapy chamber? . . .

Yes. The cryochamber is open at the top and adjusted to fit the height of the client, and your head and neck are always above the opening so you are not fully enclosed. Although the cryochamber has a door that will be closed during the treatment, it will not be locked so you may step out at any time if needed.

What should I wear during a cryotherapy treatment? . . .

It is recommended that you wear only your undergarments (without underwire in bras), and thick gloves and thick slippers. All jewelry should be removed, and any piercings must be removed or kept covered with a thick cloth (such as a gloved hand). The most important safety precaution is that the client and any clothing they are wearing is completely dry upon entering the chamber. Clients should remove socks if they are wet with sweat.

How do I feel after a session? . . .

Whole Body Cryotherapy stimulates the body to release endorphins, the hormones that make us feel alert and energetic. The energized effects from each session typically last six to eight hours after treatment. The more treatments you do in close succession, the longer the endorphin-high lasts. Many clients also report improvements in their sleep quality after Cryotherapy.

Is Nitrogen gas dangerous? . . .

No, nitrogen is a friendly, non-toxic gas. Nitrogen composes 78% of the air that we breathe. The other components are 16% Oxygen, 1% Hydrogen and 5% other gases. Nitrogen is as common and safe as Oxygen. In fact, many ice cream parlors use clouds of liquid nitrogen to flash-freeze liquid cream into ice cream (e.g., Creamistry).

Do I have to take a shower before or after a session? . . .

Showering is not necessary before or after cryotherapy. The entire procedure is dry and does not make your skin wet. Many clients come by during their lunch break since the entire treatment is only 3 minutes long. Many locations can accommodate your specific scheduling request.

How does cryotherapy work? . . .

The Whole-body Cryosauna uses cold air to chill the body during a two-three minute session. The exposed skin reacts to the extreme temperatures by vasoconstriction. This pushes some of the blood from the surface areas and skeletal muscles towards the body’s warm core. Once the cryotherapy session is over the skin returns to normal temperature as the warmer blood circulates throughout the entire body

Are there negative effects to cryotherapy? . . .

In persons who have conditions like hypothyroidism, tuberculosis, respiratory diseases, heart conditions, nervous system diseases and blood diseases, amongst others, there is a greater risk of cryotherapy side effects and some of them can be severe or dangerous. Additionally, there is a greater risk of cryotherapy side effects in persons who are over the age of sixty five, those with substance abuse problems, persons with emotional disorders and those who have known problems with cold tolerance. These are examples of why screening before treatment is so critically important.

Is it safe to get that cold? . . .

Yes it is safe. During the 3 minute session your skin temperature will drop but your core temperature will remain at 98.6°F, its natural state.

Do I have to do anything specifically after my session? . . .

No, you do not have to do anything specifically after your session, but hydrating is always a good idea.

Is there anything I should avoid after my session? . . .

There is nothing you need to avoid after a cryochamber session.

How often can I have a cryotherapy session? . . .

Cryotherapy sessions can be implemented safely as often as twice daily. For general use 2-3 sessions per week is the norm. High level athletes have cryotherapy sessions up to 5 times a week.

How soon can I expect results from a cryotherapy treatment? . . .

After completing your first treatment your body will release endorphins, which are hormones that make you feel good and energetic. This feeling will likely last for several hours. Depending on your physical condition, you may feel immediate relaxation, and improved energy that may last for several hours or even days.

Is one cryochamber treatment enough? . . .

While every therapy session is beneficial and you’ll feel immediate results, research has shown that you will experience improved and cumulative benefits after a minimum of 10 sessions, within a two or three week period. (To achieve peak performance, professional athletes might benefit from having up to two sessions a day). After that you can take fewer treatments spaced further apart to maintain and improve on your results.

Is cryotherapy dangerous? . . .

No, the liquid nitrogen that is used as a chilling agent does not come into contact with your skin, and it is the same nitrogen that makes up the air we breathe (actually 78% of it). In the chamber a person breathes room-air. For added safety, chambers are equipped with an oxygen monitor. A trained operator is always present during the treatment to control the temperature levels and monitor your comfort.

Is there anyone who shouldn't use a cryochamber? . . .

Anyone who is pregnant, has severe unmanaged hypertension (BP> 180/100), has a cardiac pacemaker, is being treated for cancer, has deep vein thrombosis, acute or recent myocardial infarction, uncontrolled seizures, fever, unstable angina pectoris, Raynaud’s syndrome, cold allergy, acute kidney and urinary tract diseases, open wounds or ulcers, or is under influence of drugs or alcohol is advised not to use Cryotherapy. Each XR Cryosauna contains a complete list of health contraindications that must be reviewed and acknowledged by each client before every cryotherapy session.

Can I catch a cold from whole-body cryotherapy? . . .

No, you can’t. Colds are caused by viruses.