Has cryotherapy been tested?
For more than 30 years, cryotherapy has been studied and refined by researchers throughout Europe.
How does cryotherapy compare to an ice bath?
It doesn’t. An ice bath will never achieve the same results. An ice bath generally lasts 12-15 minutes or longer, whereas, cryotherapy is only a 2½ to 3-minute session. During an ice bath, the cold actually penetrates into the tissue and can cause damage to the skin. In cryotherapy, the skin is never penetrated, and yet the body responds on a deeper level providing quicker recovery and enhanced performance.
How can anybody endure the cold temperature?
The process runs over the surface of the skin so the cold never actually penetrates into the tissue, resulting only in a sensation of being cold. The air is completely dry, so it is not uncomfortable for the client.
What is the proper dress attire?
While in the unit, you are required to wear socks, slippers, gloves, and men also wear boxer briefs. For the client’s safety, we must protect ALL extremities! No jewelry or metals can be worn below the neck. Lotion and moisturizers should not be applied within an hour of your session.
How many times cryotherapy sessions can I have in a day?
It is recommended that an individual has a session of no more than 2 times a day and only then if you are in heavy training or rehab, otherwise, a session two or three times a week for most individuals is adequate.
What will I feel after my first cryotherapy session?
It varies from client to client, it’s based on the body’s reaction to the session itself. An increased feeling of energy, flexibility, and a decrease in inflammation are typical responses within the first few minutes or hours, while others may notice a change after a sleep cycle. Within 48-72 hours, some clients feel a deeper sleep and a decrease in pain/inflammation.
Will I feel claustrophobic?
Your safety is our # 1 priority, so a cryo technician is always there to assist you during a session. You should not feel claustrophobic since the cabin floor is adjusted to your individual height to ensure your head is above and outside the cabin at all times. In addition, the door is never locked, so the cryo technician can stop your session and you can step out at any moment.
Is there a weight limit?
Our cabin lift accommodates clients up to 265 pounds, but we have modifications we can make if a client is tall enough.
Are there age restrictions?
Yes. For the safety of our clients, the minimum age requirement is 14 with parental consent, since children are not able to properly regulate their body temperature. We offer an alternate method for reduction in inflammation for those under the age of 14.
Is nitrogen gas dangerous to human beings?
An excessive amount is not recommended. The air we breathe every day is comprised of the following: 16% Oxygen, 1% Hydrogen, 78% Nitrogen and 5% other elements. The cabin floor is adjusted to your individual height to ensure your head is above and outside the cabin at all times, while a calibrated oxygen sensor by OSHA standards ensures proper ventilation at all times.
What are the risks of whole body cryotherapy?
Clients find that whole body cryotherapy is very well tolerated with minimal risks. Although, fluctuations in blood pressure during the procedure by up to 10 points systolically (peripheral circulation will return to normal after the session), allergic reaction to extreme cold (rare), and activation of some viral conditions as a result of stimulation of the immune system may occur (cold sores, etc).
Who should not use whole body cryotherapy?
Clients who have the following medical conditions are unable to proceed with a whole body cryotherapy session: pregnancy, severe Hypertension (BP> 160/100), acute or recent myocardial infarction, unstable angina pectoris, arrhythmia, symptomatic cardiovascular disease, cardiac pacemaker, peripheral arterial occlusive disease, venous thrombosis, acute or recent cerebrovascular accident, uncontrolled seizures, Raynaud’s Syndrome, fever, tumor disease, symptomatic lung disorders, bleeding disorders, severe anemia, infection, cold allergy, acute kidney, and urinary tract diseases.
What are the differences between a relaxation and an orthopedic medical massage?
Most relaxation massages include long flowing strokes to encourage release from worry and tension, to leave a refreshed, relaxed feeling. There is no major focus on one particular area.
While in contrast, orthopedic medical bodywork focuses on one or more areas of discomfort, pain or injury. The practitioner uses their highly educated knowledge of the body and bodywork techniques to tailor a personal treatment for the client. Medical and Orthopedic massage practitioners require advanced certifications to perform this work. The treatment always consists of 3 steps:
- Assessment – this step includes muscle testing, gait analysis and visual analysis of the client to guide the therapist to the proper course of treatment
- Treatment – the tailored manual work for the client that aids in the healing of their specified issue
- Post care – after the massage the therapist uses their knowledge from the treatment to recommend stretches, exercises, and post-treatment care
When is a cold treatment recommended vs. a heat treatment?
Cold therapy treatments are best used for acute injuries, meaning the first 3 days after an injury. In addition, it’s suitable for chronic inflammation and post-workout recovery. Heat is recommended for muscle soreness, due to tight muscles, with no inflammation present.
An ideal combination for most issues/pain is actually a combination of both therapies which is called Contrast Therapy. This treatment usually involves small amounts of time in both extreme heat and cold to decrease inflammation/reduce muscle soreness, as well as increase blood flow that aids in healing.
after my cryotherapy/massage session?
We recommend an increase in water intake to help flush out any toxins just released into the body.