A beginner's guide to: Cryotherapy

cryo, cold air therapy, cold chamber therapy, whole body cryotherapy (WBC), cold sauna

Cryotherapy harnesses extreme cold to promote recovery and reduce inflammation. This invigorating treatment may also improve skin health and boost energy levels through brief sessions in specialised chambers.

In a hurry and don't have any questions?

  1. Check out our safety recommendations.

  2. Find a cryotherapy centre and make a booking.

  3. Read the FAQs so that you can be well prepared.

  4. Get ready to face the cold.

  5. Once you are set up, head to our Practice Guides and get started.

Looking for detailed practice guides? Hang tight, they are coming soon!

What is cryotherapy?

Cryotherapy is an innovative treatment that exposes the body to extremely cold temperatures, typically between -110°C to -130°C (or -166°F to -202°F), for a few minutes to support recovery and overall well-being. Whether you're an athlete looking to reduce muscle soreness, managing chronic pain, or seeking an energy boost, cryotherapy offers various benefits. The cold triggers natural responses that help reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and elevate mood by releasing endorphins. Both Whole-Body Cryotherapy (WBC) and localised sessions are available, targeting specific areas or offering a full-body experience. Feeling curious? Step into a cryotherapy chamber and discover how a few minutes of cold can leave you feeling refreshed and energised.

Why cryotherapy is good for you

With so many reasons to add cryotherapy to your wellness routine, like aiding in pain relief, athletic recovery and improving your general health, here are a few benefits that you can experience from a regular practice.

Aids physical recovery

Physical well-being

Reduces anxiety & depression

Emotional well-being

Increases your positivity

Self well-being

Improves mood for social interactions

Social well-being

Enhances your mental clarity

Intellectual well-being

People who love cryotherapy

Daniel Craig

Actor

Mandy Moore

Actor

Shaquille O'Neal

Sports

Prometheus (Movie)

Movie

Real people's experiences

Starting cryotherapy? Read this first

We know that you are almost ready to get chilly. But before you do, there are some important things to keep in mind. Cryotherapy is safe for most people, but these helpful tips will make sure that your first experience will be the first of many.

Common styles

Cryotherapy comes in two main styles. Both styles offer unique benefits, allowing you to choose based on your needs – whether it's systemic recovery or focused treatment.

Whole-Body Cryotherapy (WBC)

Localised cryotherapy

Safety

⚠️

Listen to your body, start gradually and practise with care to minimise risks. If you are pregnant or have a health condition, we recommend consulting with your healthcare provider.

⚠️

Limit exposure time to the recommended duration.

⚠️

Stop if you feel severe discomfort or unusual symptoms.

⚠️

Ensure your skin and clothing are completely dry before entering a cryotherapy chamber.

⚠️

Wear recommended protective gear.

⚠️

If using ice packs for localised therapy, wrap them in a cloth to avoid direct contact with the skin. Limit use to the recommended frequency and duration.

What you might experience

🫣

”Yikes! Am I actually going to do this?”

😬

”Okay. It’s cold, but it's only 3 minutes, right?”

😮‍💨

”Deep breaths, I can do this.”

🥶

”Brrrr! This is COLD!”

😵‍💫

”Is it time to get out yet?”

🤩

”I feel awesome!”

Getting started guides coming soon...

Are you ready to try cryotherapy?

We are busy working on detailed getting started guides and individual practice guides to follow.

What you need to know about cryotherapy

Wondering whether you should start on your own, in a group or 1:1 with a teacher? Explore the table below and discover everything you need to know to get your practice started, right now.

Compare

Recommendation for first-timer

Availability

Average cost per session

Special equipment required

Potential for socialisation & community

Safety & skill building

Space or privacy required

Ease of scheduling

Setup time

Active practice time

Unexpected advantages

Ancestry, history, facts and other trivia

Cryotherapy was first developed in Japan in 1978 to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

The first whole-body cryotherapy chamber was developed by Dr. Toshima Yamaguchi in 1978.

Cryotherapy can help with weight loss by boosting metabolism to increase your body temperature.

Cryotherapy has become a staple in the training routines of many NBA and NFL players.

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2 facts

Popular memes

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10 memes

Academic research we rate

Effet de la cryothérapie sur les caractéristiques de la récupération : revue systématique et méta-analyse

Hohenauer, E., Taeymans, J., Baeyens, J.-P., Clarys, P., & Clijsen, R. (2017). Effet de la cryothérapie sur les caractéristiques de la récupération : revue systématique et méta-analyse. Kinésithérapie, La Revue, 17(192), 14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.kine.2017.09.009

Whole-Body Cryostimulation Improves Inflammatory Endothelium Parameters and Decreases Oxidative Stress in Healthy Subjects

Stanek, A., Wielkoszyński, T., Bartuś, S., & Cholewka, A. (2020). Whole-Body Cryostimulation Improves Inflammatory Endothelium Parameters and Decreases Oxidative Stress in Healthy Subjects. Antioxidants, 9(12), 1308. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9121308

Effects of Whole-Body Cryotherapy on 25-hydroxyvitamin D, irisin, myostatin, and interleukin-6 levels in healthy young men

Śliwicka, E., Cisoń, T., Straburzyńska-Lupa, A., & Pilaczyńska-Szcześniak, Ł. (2020). Effects of whole-body cryotherapy on 25-hydroxyvitamin D, irisin, myostatin, and interleukin-6 levels in healthy young men of different fitness levels. Scientific Reports, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-63002-x

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7 research pieces

Introduction guides from around the web

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