Whole Body Cryotherapy

Brrr ….. it’s cold in here! Ice packs and ice baths have long been used to reduce swelling and inflammation. But these home remedies pale in comparison to Cryotherapy and its effects on cooling damaged tissue, reducing swelling and inflammation, and speeding up the healing process. Experience the relief and lasting benefits of subzero temperatures (ranging from -200*F to -300*F) in our cryosauna for up to three minutes per treatment, and we promise you’ll be back for more.

This technique was first used in Japan in 1978 to treat rheumatic diseases.  Over the next three decades, it quickly spread to Europe and now very popular throughout the United States.

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How it works

Upon entering the cryosauna, the patient stands and slowly turns while nitrogen gas fills the chamber. For three minutes, the patient’s skin surface temperature is lowered to approximately 30*F. As the cold receptors beneath the skin sense the sudden, extreme cold, the body goes into survival mode, and the blood vessels near the skin quickly constrict (vasoconstriction) to send blood to the major organs to maintain core body temperature. The sudden burst of extreme cold is a surprisingly comfortable experience. When the patient re-enters a room-temperature environment, blood rushes back to the skin. Blood circulation is naturally stimulated, and oxygenated blood is delivered to damaged tissue.

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Benefits

Arthritis

Muscle Spasms

Fatigue

Post Surgery Trauma

Fibromyalgia

Back Pain

Sleep Disorders

Bacterial Diseases

Psoriasis

Acne

Toxins

Chronic Pain

Multiple Sclerosis

Inflammation

Tendonitis

Joint Pain

Depression

Low Energy

Muscle Soreness

Slow Metabolism

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the origins of Whole Body Cryotherapy?

Whole Body Cryotherapy was first used in Japan in 1978 to treat rheumatic diseases, where it was studied and established as a powerful treatment for pain and inflammation associated with a number of many chronic conditions.  Over the next three decades it quickly spread to Europe and other countries as it became widely known for its broad range of benefits.  It is now becoming popular throughout the United States.

 

How does it work?

Upon entering the cryosauna, the patient stands and slowly turns while nitrogen gas fills the chamber.  Over a period of  up to three minutes, the patient’s skin surface temperature is lowered to approximately 30*F.  This sudden drop in temperature triggers the skin’s cold receptors to activate the body’s most powerful survival mechanisms.  This results in the release of endorphins and a rapid circulation of oxygen-rich blood throughout the body.

Is nitrogen dangerous?

No, nitrogen is a non-toxic gas that makes up about 78% of the air we breathe.  However, breathing pure nitrogen could cause fainting, due to the lack of oxygen.  To prevent this, the cryosauna is designed to keep the patient’s head above the chamber, and patients are instructed to breathe up or hold their breath during the treatment if the nitrogen approaches their face.

 

Will I feel discomfort during the treatment?

Most individuals are surprised to feel how tolerable a cryotherapy session is given such extreme temperatures.  The nitrogen in our cryosauna creates a “dry” cold, which is much more comfortable than an ice bath.  We will provide you with gloves and socks to keep your hands and feet warm.  Our friendly technician will talk you through it and make the up to three minutes pass quickly and easily.

 

Can I return to my daily activities following a treatment?

Yes, there are no restrictions to your activities following a cryotherapy treatment.

 

How often should I do cryotherapy?

We recommend that our patients do their first ten sessions within thirty days and then decide how often they would like to continue.  Many benefits such as a rush of endorphins and better sleep can be experienced as early as the first session, however maximum results are obtained with repeated treatments. 

Is cryotherapy being used for professional athletes?

Yes.  Many Olympic, professional, collegiate and even high school athletes are taking advantage of the natural edge gained from Whole Body Cryotherapy.  The Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns, and many other professional teams provide access to a cryosauna for their players to use before and after games.  Many colleges including OSU have also realized the need for this therapy and provide a cryosauna for their athletes.   We welcome local sports teams to take advantage of our group pricing and gain an edge over the competition.

Who is a good candidate for cryotherapy?

People from a wide range of lifestyles and ages are a good candidate for this treatment.  While it is certainly helpful to athletes and those with chronic pain, it is also highly recommended for individuals who simply want to improve their overall health and appearance.  However, there are some conditions that would preclude an individual from utilizing this treatment.  Please refer to our list of contradictions for more information.  The minimum age is fourteen, and individuals under age eighteen must have parental consent.

 

May I use cryotherapy if I am claustrophobic?

Yes, you may.  The door to the cryosauna is never locked, and you may exit the chamber at anytime.  The chamber is open at the top and your head is raised above the rim, allowing you to see in all directions.

Are there any health contradictions to cryotherapy?

Yes, Whole Body Cryotherapy is not allowed for the following conditions:

  • Untreated Hypertension
  • Heart attack within previous 6 months
  • Decompensating diseases (edema) of the cardiovascular and respiratory system
  • Congestive Heart Failure
  • COPD
  • Chronic liver disease
  • Unstable Angina Pectoris
  • Pacemaker
  • Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease
  • Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or known circulatory dysfunction
  • Acute febrile respiratory (Flu like respiratory conditions)
  • Acute kidney and urinary tract diseases
  • Severe Anemia
  • Cold Allergenic Phenomenon (known allergy to cold contactants)
  • Heavy consumerist diseases (abnormal bleeding)
  • Seizure disorders
  • Bacterial and viral infections of the skin
  • Wound healing disorders (open sores or discharging wound/skin conditions)
  • Alcohol and drug abuse
  • Valvular heart disease
  • Recent heart surgery
  • Ischemic heart disease
  • Raynaud’s disease
  • Polyneuropathies
  • Pregnancy
  • Vasculitis
  • Hyperhidrosis – heavy perspiration
  • Diabetes