What is Whole Body Cryotherapy (WBC)?
Whole Body Cryotherapy (WBC) is a cold air session that works by standing inside a cryotherapy chamber for a period of time that lasts two to three minutes. Cold air is blown over the body to stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, causing dramatic peripheral vasoconstriction followed by dramatic vasodilatation.
The Cryosauna uses gasiform nitrogen to lower the skin surface temperature by 30-50 degrees Fahrenheit over a period of two-three minutes. The skin reacts to the cold and sends messages to the brain that acts as a stimulant to the regulatory functions of the body, causing a flight or flight response and adrenaline response. The skin’s exposure to extreme temperatures also triggers the release of anti-inflammatory molecules and endorphins.
How does it compare to ice baths?
It doesn’t. It is simply not possible to achieve the same temperatures and effects with an ice bath. Furthermore, an ice bath is generally an excruciating 12-15 minutes or longer wet process, where, cryotherapy is only a two to three minute completely dry, pain-free session. Generally, most people report ice packs are even more uncomfortable than a whole body cryotherapy session.
What is the history of WBC?
Research conducted over the last two decades has established the efficacy of WBC in a wide range of areas. Most research has been focused on pain management and athletic performance. Initially, whole body cryotherapy technology was developed in Japan and has been more widely used in eastern Europe for 30 years before more recently having been introduced in the United States.
Olympic and professional athletes from the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, CrossFit, etc. have been using Whole Body Cryotherapy in the U.S. since 2011. Initially, these machines were only available in professional athlete training centers and generally not available to the general public. As more and more high-profile athletes and celebrities used cryotherapy, it became more mainstream and more widely used as availability for general use has risen.
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WHAT TO EXPECT
How does Cryotherapy work?
The body’s response to cold air from WBC is merely due to the perceived threat that the body is freezing, when, in fact, only skin temperature is affected. WBC stimulates the sympathetic nervous system via alpha-adrenergic receptors (thermoreceptors), causing dramatic peripheral vasoconstriction. This induces adaptive changes correlating with the effects of analgesia (pain relief), reduction of inflammation, and an increase in blood serum markers for tissue repair.
Is it comfortable? What do I wear?
Before entering the Cryosauna, clients are required to dress in protective clothing composed of cotton socks and underwear (which is provided). You will also be provided with a robe, which you will remove once you are inside the Cryo-chamber and the door is closed. You will be supervised at all times during each session. Only your hands and face are visible to the operator during the procedure, so modesty is preserved at all times. Additionally, it is a dry, gaseous cold and is not painful like ice baths. This means the treatment is tolerable even to those who may consider themselves cold-intolerant.
How do I feel after I finish treatment?
During each session, the body releases endorphins, which are hormones that make you feel good and energetic. The buoyant effects from each session lasts at least 6-8 hours and increased with the number of treatment sessions. Many clients have expressed that they have the best night of sleep after a cryotherapy session.
What are the risks of Cryotherapy?
Whole body cryotherapy is very well tolerated and has minimal risks. Those who are treating for hypertension, or who are pregnant, may not be able to treat using cryotherapy. Fluctuations in blood pressure occur during the procedure by up to 10 points systolic. This effect reverses after the end of the procedure as peripheral circulation returns to normal but can be stressful on the heart to those with heart conditions. Rare allergic reaction to extreme cold (Reynaud’s disease), anxiety, activation of some viral conditions (cold sores), etc. may also be contraindications to use. Let your doctor know of any concerns or conditions before treatment.
Near Denver and interested in trying out cryotherapy? View our pricing below and schedule an appointment at one of our facilities today!
