Whole body cryotherapy (WBC) is a popular treatment that involves exposing the body to extremely cold temperatures for a short period. This therapy, which can reach temperatures as low as -200°F (-129°C), is used by athletes, celebrities, and wellness enthusiasts for its purported benefits, including pain relief, reduced inflammation , and improved mental well-being . If you’re considering trying whole body cryotherapy for the first time, here’s what you can expect during your session.
Before the session
Before your first cryotherapy session, you'll typically have a consultation with a trained technician. This is to ensure that cryotherapy is safe for you, especially if you have any medical conditions or are pregnant. It’s important to disclose any health concerns you may have.
You will need to wear minimal clothing to maximize exposure to the cold air. Men typically wear shorts, and women wear shorts and a sports bra or swimsuit. Most facilities provide socks, gloves, and sometimes a headband or earmuffs to protect your extremities and ears from frostbite.
Remove all jewelry and any metal objects. These can get extremely cold and potentially cause frostbite.
Make sure your skin is completely dry. Moisture can freeze and cause skin damage.
During the session
Depending on the facility, for example at The Wellness Co you’ll enter a cryosauna (a single-person chamber with your head exposed) or a cryochamber (a larger, multi-person chamber). The choice between the two often depends on personal preference and availability.
The session starts with an immediate blast of cold air. This can be a bit of a shock to the system, but it’s important to remain calm and take deep breaths. The technician will guide you through this initial phase.
A typical cryotherapy session lasts between 2 to 3 minutes. The duration is short to prevent overexposure to the extreme cold.
You will feel an intense cold. It's normal to experience a tingling sensation or numbness in the skin. Keep moving by gently shifting from foot to foot to help tolerate the cold and keep blood circulating.
Focus on deep, steady breathing. This helps manage the shock and maintains your composure.
You can communicate with the technician at any time. They monitor the session and can end it immediately if you feel too uncomfortable.
After the session
Once the session is over, you'll step out of the chamber and your body will start to warm up. You might experience a rush of endorphins and an overall sense of exhilaration due to the extreme cold triggering a fight-or-flight response in the body.
Your skin might feel cold to the touch and appear slightly red, which is normal. These effects usually subside within minutes.
It's important to stay hydrated after your session. The extreme cold can cause slight dehydration, so drink water to replenish fluids.
Benefits
Many people report immediate relief from pain and reduced inflammation, particularly if they suffer from conditions like arthritis or muscle soreness from intense exercise.
The release of endorphins can lead to an improvement in mood and energy levels. Some people report feeling more alert and rejuvenated after a session.
Cryotherapy is also touted for its potential skin benefits, including improved tone and texture due to increased blood flow.
Post-session care
Depending on your goals, a series of sessions might be recommended. Your technician will provide guidance on the frequency and number of sessions.
Pay attention to how your body reacts. Some people may feel invigorated, while others might feel tired. Adjust your schedule accordingly to allow your body to recover.
Keep in touch with your healthcare provider, especially if you have any underlying health conditions. They can help monitor any long-term effects and adjust your wellness plan as needed.
Before the session
Before your first cryotherapy session, you'll typically have a consultation with a trained technician. This is to ensure that cryotherapy is safe for you, especially if you have any medical conditions or are pregnant. It’s important to disclose any health concerns you may have.
You will need to wear minimal clothing to maximize exposure to the cold air. Men typically wear shorts, and women wear shorts and a sports bra or swimsuit. Most facilities provide socks, gloves, and sometimes a headband or earmuffs to protect your extremities and ears from frostbite.
Remove all jewelry and any metal objects. These can get extremely cold and potentially cause frostbite.
Make sure your skin is completely dry. Moisture can freeze and cause skin damage.
During the session
Depending on the facility, for example at The Wellness Co you’ll enter a cryosauna (a single-person chamber with your head exposed) or a cryochamber (a larger, multi-person chamber). The choice between the two often depends on personal preference and availability.
The session starts with an immediate blast of cold air. This can be a bit of a shock to the system, but it’s important to remain calm and take deep breaths. The technician will guide you through this initial phase.
A typical cryotherapy session lasts between 2 to 3 minutes. The duration is short to prevent overexposure to the extreme cold.
You will feel an intense cold. It's normal to experience a tingling sensation or numbness in the skin. Keep moving by gently shifting from foot to foot to help tolerate the cold and keep blood circulating.
Focus on deep, steady breathing. This helps manage the shock and maintains your composure.
You can communicate with the technician at any time. They monitor the session and can end it immediately if you feel too uncomfortable.
After the session
Once the session is over, you'll step out of the chamber and your body will start to warm up. You might experience a rush of endorphins and an overall sense of exhilaration due to the extreme cold triggering a fight-or-flight response in the body.
Your skin might feel cold to the touch and appear slightly red, which is normal. These effects usually subside within minutes.
It's important to stay hydrated after your session. The extreme cold can cause slight dehydration, so drink water to replenish fluids.
Benefits
Many people report immediate relief from pain and reduced inflammation, particularly if they suffer from conditions like arthritis or muscle soreness from intense exercise.
The release of endorphins can lead to an improvement in mood and energy levels. Some people report feeling more alert and rejuvenated after a session.
Cryotherapy is also touted for its potential skin benefits, including improved tone and texture due to increased blood flow.
Post-session care
Depending on your goals, a series of sessions might be recommended. Your technician will provide guidance on the frequency and number of sessions.
Pay attention to how your body reacts. Some people may feel invigorated, while others might feel tired. Adjust your schedule accordingly to allow your body to recover.
Keep in touch with your healthcare provider, especially if you have any underlying health conditions. They can help monitor any long-term effects and adjust your wellness plan as needed.
