Are you someone who doesn’t like surprises? That’s understandable. If you’re interested in cryotherapy but haven’t felt sure enough about the process to give us a call and set up an appointment, here’s what happens during, right after, and for up to 48 hours after a session.

When you arrive:

  1. After being greeted, we’ll give you some general information and have you complete a waiver before using the facility. If you have any questions, you may ask at any time.
  2. You will then be given a robe, socks, slippers, and gloves and shown to a private changing room.
  3. Once you’re ready, we’ll escort you to the cryosauna and get started with your session.

We respect your privacy and we will only see your face once you’re in the Cryosauna.

During your session:

  1. The nerves in your skin send a message to your hypothalamus (part of your brain) that signals for vasoconstriction – your blood vessels contract and redirect blood from your skin, arms, and legs to your core.
  2. That blood is “supercharged” with oxygen, enzymes, and nutrients while also signaling for an anti-inflammatory reaction, toxin removal, and increased cellular repair – in other words, the process of faster healing and recovery begins.
  3. Hormones called beta-endorphins are released. They act like natural morphine and provide whole-body pain relief as well as a slight sense of euphoria.
  4. Your body doesn’t know you’re only going to be in the extreme cold for 3 minutes or less, so it protects you from pain and slows how much it signals your brain about pain. (After multiple sessions, your body can adapt this lower level of pain signaling long-term.)
  5. The air around you will be cold, but your skin won’t freeze – it’ll feel a lot like standing in front of a big freezer with the door open.
  6. At the end of your 90-second to 3-minute session, simply grab your robe and put it on, step out, and feel the endorphin rush! Then you head back to the changing room.

When you get out:

  1. Your body begins warming by causing vasodilation – your blood vessels expand and send the supercharged blood through your entire body…burning 400-800 calories in the process (about as many as an hour of exercise!).
  2. Your muscles relax in response to better blood flow and your cells repair and recover at a faster than normal rate.

What to expect:

  1. Some people feel a slight tingling session for a few minutes after a session. This will go away quickly and is normal as blood rushes back to your arms and legs.
  2. Your body began warming immediately after you stepped out of the sauna. If you aren’t fully warm immediately, you will be very soon.
  3. You might notice a slight flush to your skin as your blood vessels expand and send blood through your entire body. Again, this is completely normal and will go away on its own.
  4. Your muscles will relax in response to better blood flow and your cells will repair and recover at a faster than normal rate.
  5. The muscle relaxation will give your joints better range of motion.
  6. If you were experiencing swelling, it will decrease or go away in the next few hours.
  7. If you were using the cryosauna for a painful condition, muscular pain tends to subside almost immediately while joint pain will lessen as inflammation and swelling decrease.
  8. It’s common to feel refreshed and invigorated after a session.
  9. Although your mood may elevate after a session, it is completely safe to drive and perform other activities.
  10. Many people experience better sleep after a session.
  11. The process of rewarming burns 400-800 calories (about as many as an hour of exercise!). Over time, this can add up for weight loss.

Physically: You’ll have less pain, inflammation, and swelling while having better joint range of motion, recovery, energy, immune function, and stamina. You’ll also probably sleep better, which helps with recovery and repair, too.

Mentally: You’ll experience a sense of wellbeing and improved mood along with less stress, anxiety, and depression.

In general, having multiple sessions causes the benefits to accumulate and the results to last longer.

For up to 48 hours:

  1. The beta-endorphins, relaxed muscles, anti-inflammatory reaction, and lower pain signals continue.
  2. You also continue to repair faster than normal and have better immunity.

Can I work out after a session?

Yes, as long as your doctor hasn’t restricted you from activity because of a medical condition. A cryotherapy session before a workout increases flexibility, range of motion, blood flow, and oxygen levels.

Will I need to check my hair or makeup?

No. Your head and face are never submerged or inside the cryosauna, so your hair and makeup should be exactly like they were before your session.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask our staff. We’ll be with you for the entire session and are here to make sure you get the most out of each treatment.

Ready?

If you’re ready to knock out your pain and heal faster with cryotherapy, simply call or text to schedule an appointment. We’ll get back to you right away!