Question 1

So how does Whole Body Cryotherapy work?

Accepted Answer

In the extreme cold conditions of a Whole Body Cryotherapy chamber, the body has physiological responses to exposure that is triggered by the sudden decrease in skin temperature. The body’s core temperature is normally between 36-37°C and will always attempt to maintain this temperature. When the brain receives signals registering the extreme low temperature in a Whole Body Cryotherapy chamber, it recognizes the impossibility of maintaining the core temperature if normal blood circulation is maintained in the outer layers of the skin. Receptors below the surface of the skin then direct the body’s nervous system to carry out a process called vasoconstriction – a narrowing of the arteries and blood vessels. The process leads to a reduction in the flow of blood to tired or damaged tissue, effectively shutting down the inflammation process and the development of swelling or bruising around an injury.
At the same time, blood is retained in the body’s core and is flushed through the normal cycle and becomes enriched with oxygen, enzyme and nutrients as well as receiving an influx of hormones via the body’s endocrine system.
Once the brain identifies that a “normal temperature’ is reached, having exited the Whole Body Cryotherapy chamber and undertaken light exercise, the reverse process called vasodilation then returns the now enriched blood from the core to the extremities. This process coupled with the release of hormones provide for a rush of endorphins, promoting a feeling of wellbeing and positivity in the patient.

Question 2

Is it safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Walk-in Cryochambers have been used for the past 30+ years without any severe adverse reaction ever recorded.  Problems have only arisen if a client steps into the machine with wet clothing, especially wet socks, as water will freeze immediately at these temperatures. The nitrogen being used to cool the Cryochamber is the same nitrogen that makes up the air we breathe (actually 78% of it). For added safety, chambers are also equipped with an oxygen monitor at the level of the mouth, which will shut off the nitrogen supply should the oxygen concentration drop by 0.5%.  In order to protect the more temperature sensitive tissues such as hands and feet, clients wear dry socks, slippers, and gloves, which we provide.  In the walk-in chambers, clients also have to wear a face-mask (to protect the nose and prevent the inhalation of cold air), as well as earmuffs or a hat covering the ears.

Question 3

Is it comfortable?

Accepted Answer

Before entering the Cryochamber, clients are required to dress in protective clothing composed of cotton socks, cotton underwear (for men), and gloves. If you are using the walk-in chamber, you will also be provided with a cotton band to cover your ears and a disposable mask to cover your mouth.  A session is  of short duration (2-3 minutes), and the cold is 'dry', so it is very tolerable.  Towards the end of the session, you may get a 'pins and needles' sensation, which disappears immediately after the treatment.

Question 4

How do I feel after the treatment?

Accepted Answer

During each session the body releases endorphins, which are hormones that make you feel good and energetic. The mood-enhancing effects from each session can last for days.

Question 5

How many treatments should I do?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the condition of treatment, you should initially take 5 – 10 treatments in close succession (separated by 1-2 days --- e.g. 3x/week) to maximize your results. After that you can take fewer treatment spaced further apart to maintain and improve on your results (e.g. once every week or two weeks).

Question 6

Can I catch a cold because of this procedure?

Accepted Answer

No. The immediate cold impact of the cryosession will raise the internal body temperature for a short period of time. The stimulation of the immune system can help decrease the severity and frequency of future colds.

Question 7

I am claustrophobic. May I use WBC?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you may. The Cryosauna door is held by a magnet and never locked.  You may step out at any time. The doors of the Walk-in Cryochamber are also never locked and clients may enter and exit at their own discretion.  Clients who suffer from claustrophobia report that they are comfortable in both devices.

Question 8

Do I have to take a shower before or after?

Accepted Answer

No, you don't. This procedure is absolutely dry and does not make your skin wet.

Question 9

Who should not use whole body cryotherapy?

Accepted Answer

The following conditions are contraindications to whole body cryotherapy: 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, claustrophobia, cold allergy, age less than 18 years (parental consent to treatment needed), acute kidney and urinary tract diseases.

Question 10

What are the risks of whole body cryotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Whole body Cryothherapy is very well tolerated and has minimal risks: Fluctuations in blood pressure during the procedure by up to 10 points systolically (this effect reverses after the end of the procedure, as peripheral circulation returns to normal), allergic reaction to extreme cold (rare), claustrophobia, redness, and skin burns (only if exposed to low temperatures longer than recommended).

Question 11

Who developed this technology?

Accepted Answer

Whole body cryotherapy was originally developed in Japan in 1978 for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, and the benefits have been studied and refined in Europe since that time.

Question 12

When was whole body cryotherapy developed?

Accepted Answer

Whole body cryotherapy has been used in Europe and Japan for more than three decades. Multiple research studies have been published in medical journals about the effects of whole body cryotherapy, and in many European countries the treatments are covered by medical insurance policies.  In the United States, whole body cryotherapy is considered a non-medical wellness modality, and health insurances do not offer reimbursements for the service.

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