Cryotherapy: What It Costs, How It Works, and Is It Worth It?
By JustHealthy - Published 6 June 2024
Ever wondered why cryotherapy is becoming so popular? Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or just curious about new health trends, cryotherapy might be something to consider, especially since three-quarters of its users turn to it for recovery from sports and other physical activities.
Cryotherapy Benefits
Cryotherapy isn’t just cool, it’s clinically cool! Studies show it can slash muscle pain and inflammation by up to 30% in just two days.
And athletes? They’re getting back in the game 50% faster than with old-school ice packs.
But that's not all it does, it also:
• Reduces muscle pain
• Speeds up injury recovery
• Lowers inflammation
• Enhances post-exercise recovery
• Boosts energy levels
• Improves skin condition
• Increases metabolism
• Reduces anxiety and depression
How much does cryotherapy cost?
Each session can cost between $60 to $100. Most people need about 10 to 15 sessions to really feel better, which might add up to around $900.
But here’s a cool fact: using cryotherapy could help you save up to 25% on your yearly costs for managing chronic pain.
So, is it worth it? It might seem a bit pricey, but it could actually save you money on other health costs in the long run!
Is cryotherapy safe?
Most people—95% in fact—have no side effects at all from cryotherapy. A small number, less than 5%, might feel numb for a little while, but this feeling goes away quickly, usually in a few hours.
You might wonder about serious problems. Things like frostbite or skin burns are what we call “big problems,” but they are very rare, happening in less than 1 out of every 10,000 sessions.
However, it’s really important to pick a safe place for cryotherapy. Believe it or not, only half of the cryotherapy clinics follow all the safety rules they should. These rules make sure everything works right and that the staff knows what to do in an emergency.
When you visit a clinic, look for safety certifications or badges. These show that the clinic meets safety standards and is checked by health and safety regulators.
If you don’t see any badges, ask the staff to show you. A good clinic will be happy to prove they follow the rules. Always check this before you start your treatment to make sure you’re in a safe place.
The Science and Magic of Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy, or “cold therapy,” quickly lowers your body temperature using extremely cold air. Here’s how this chilly environment affects your body:
Rapid Cooling: Stepping into a cryotherapy chamber drops your skin temperature by 30 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This cold causes your blood vessels to tighten up, reducing blood flow to the skin to conserve body heat.
Metabolic Boost: The cold triggers your body to work harder to stay warm, increasing your metabolism by up to 350%. This means your body burns more calories, even after you leave the chamber.
Endorphin Release: The cold also makes your body release endorphins, chemicals that make you feel good and reduce pain. That’s why you might feel happier and more energetic after a session.
Anti-inflammatory Response: The cold reduces blood flow and slows down your cells, which can decrease inflammation and help your body heal faster. When the session ends and your body warms up, increased blood flow rushes nutrients back to your skin and muscles, speeding up recovery.
Nervous System Stimulation: Cryotherapy makes your nervous system more active, raising your blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing rate. This is a normal response to cold and is safe in the short bursts typical of cryotherapy.
Each session is short, usually just a few minutes, but the effects can last longer, helping with recovery, energy levels, and well-being. Safety in cryotherapy is critical; modern chambers monitor temperature and time to keep you safe during the session.
What to Expect After Cryotherapy
Curious about what happens once you step out of a cryotherapy chamber? Here’s a detailed look at the immediate and short-term effects you might experience:
Instant Refreshment: Right after leaving the chamber, you’ll likely feel incredibly invigorated, similar to the sensation of getting a brisk, cool breeze after being in a stuffy room. This is due to the sudden exposure to normal temperatures following the extreme cold, which shocks your body into a heightened state of alertness.
Boost in Mood: One of the most enjoyable after-effects of cryotherapy is a noticeable boost in your mood. This happens because the cold triggers your body to release endorphins, which are chemicals that act like natural mood lifters. They can make you feel lighter and more euphoric, almost as if you’ve just finished a good workout.
Pain and Inflammation Reduction: Scientifically, cryotherapy helps reduce inflammation by constricting blood vessels while in the cold, which decreases blood flow to areas of inflammation. When you warm up, blood flow increases, but the inflammatory agents in the blood have been reduced, which means you might notice a significant decrease in pain and swelling, particularly if you have muscle soreness or joint pain.
Temperature Regulation: Initially, you will feel quite cold, and your skin might even be a bit numb. This is a natural response as your body was exposed to subzero temperatures. However, your body will soon start to warm back up to its regular temperature, a process aided by your temporarily elevated metabolism, which continues to burn at a higher rate even after the session ends.
Increased Energy Levels: Thanks to that metabolic boost, many people report feeling more energetic in the hours following cryotherapy. Your body uses more energy to reheat itself, which can leave you feeling more awake and lively.
What should i avoid after cryotherapy?
• Hot showers or baths
• Intense exercise
• Drinking alcohol
• Sitting still for too long
How many calories does cryotherapy burn?
In one session of cryotherapy, you might burn between 500 to 800 calories. That’s similar to what you’d burn during a long, intense workout! This happens because your body uses a lot of energy to heat itself back to a normal temperature. So, while you’re standing in the cold, your body is doing a workout all on its own.
Who Should Not Undergo Cryotherapy?
• People with heart conditions
• Pregnant women
• Kids under 18
• People with severe high blood pressure
• Those with nerve sensitivity issues
How often should you do cryotherapy ?
General Health and Fitness: If you’re using cryotherapy to stay healthy or recover from regular workouts, once or twice a week is usually enough.
Chronic Pain or Injury: If you’re dealing with ongoing pain or healing from an injury, you might need cryotherapy three to five times a week at first. Once you start feeling better, you can go less often.
Intense Sports Training: Athletes who train hard might use cryotherapy every day or even twice a day to help recover faster.
Is Cryotherapy right for You?
Conclusion
Cryotherapy is an exciting and innovative way to help your body feel better, recover faster, and even burn some extra calories. Whether you’re an athlete looking to improve your recovery times or just someone interested in the health benefits, cryotherapy offers a unique approach with its quick, chilly sessions. However, it’s important to remember that it’s not suitable for everyone. If you have certain health conditions like heart issues or high blood pressure, or if you’re pregnant, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional before trying it out.
Remember, while cryotherapy can be beneficial, knowing what to expect, what to avoid afterwards, and how often to undergo sessions will help you make the most out of your experience. Always choose a reputable facility that follows safety guidelines to ensure your cryotherapy session is both effective and safe. Embrace the cold wisely, and you might just find a refreshing way to boost your overall well-being!
FAQ about Cryotherapy
What are the benefits of cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy offers several benefits, including reducing inflammation, speeding up recovery from muscle soreness, enhancing mood, increasing energy levels, and potentially aiding in weight loss.
What is cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy is a treatment that involves exposing the body to extremely cold temperatures for a few minutes, which can help reduce pain, inflammation, and improve overall wellness.
What is a cryotherapy facial?
A cryotherapy facial, also known as a “frotox,” is a non-invasive treatment where cold temperatures are applied to the face. This can help reduce inflammation, tighten pores, and improve skin texture.
Can cryotherapy help with slimming?
Cryotherapy may aid in slimming by boosting metabolism and increasing the body’s heat production to compensate for the cold, potentially leading to increased calorie burn.
Can cryotherapy be used on the face?
Yes, cryotherapy can be applied to the face either as part of a whole-body treatment or specifically through a facial treatment. It can refresh the skin, reduce puffiness, and enhance skin tone.
What is a cryotherapy chamber?
A cryotherapy chamber is an enclosed space where an individual stands or sits to undergo cryotherapy. The chamber exposes the body to very cold air, typically between -200°F and -256°F, to trigger therapeutic benefits.
What equipment is used in cryotherapy?
The main equipment used in cryotherapy includes a cryotherapy chamber or a localized cryotherapy machine. These devices are designed to generate and maintain extremely cold temperatures safely.
Can cryotherapy treat warts?
Cryotherapy is commonly used to treat warts by freezing them with liquid nitrogen. The extreme cold kills the wart tissue, allowing it to fall off over time.
Where can I find a cryotherapy facial near me?
To find a cryotherapy facial near you, search online for local wellness centers, spas, or medical facilities that offer cryotherapy treatments. You can also check reviews to ensure the quality of the service.
What is the purpose of a cryotherapy machine?
A cryotherapy machine is used to administer cryotherapy treatments. It controls the temperature and duration of exposure to cold air, ensuring the treatment is both safe and effective.