+ Q1. I am claustrophobic. May I use whole body cryotherapy?

Absolutely. The client is in constant communication with the technician during the entire Cryotherapy session. The door is never locked and the client can exit the cryosauna at any time if they feel any distress or discomfort.

+ Q2. Who should not use whole body cryotherapy?

If you have experienced any of the following health conditions, it is advised not to obtain Cryotherapy treatment: Pregnancy, severe Hypertension (Blood Pressure> 180/100), 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, tumor disease, symptomatic lung disorders, bleeding disorders, fever, severe anemia, infection, cold allergy, acute kidney and urinary tract diseases. Any client with a history of cardiac disease with the past 6 months will be required to have a physician's statement clearing them to get Whole Body Cryotherapy treatment.

+ Q3. Will I be wet after the treatment or need to take a shower before/after?

No — the procedure is completely dry and does not leave your skin wet whatsoever.

+ Q4. Is whole body cryotherapy safe?

Yes, at your first session, we will take your blood pressure and review the physical readiness questionnaire to ensure you are a WBC candidate. You will also receive the proper protective wear for the body’s more temperature-sensitive tissues such as hands and feet. Additionally, moisture-stripping wipes are provided to remove any sweat or lotion from your body before entering the Cryochamber. We will adjust the height of the platform before every session to ensure you are able to breathe fresh air and speak to the cryo tech during the session.

+ Q5. How does cryotherapy work?

The cryo-chamber safely lowers a person's skin surface temperature 30+ degrees from its normal body temperature for a period up to three minutes. This is achieved by using the vapor of liquid nitrogen to surround the body. During this process, thermo-receptors in the skin send signals to the brain to release endorphins and beneficial biochemicals. The body naturally responds by sending blood to the core to maintain its temperature and in the process supercharges the blood with anti-inflammatory proteins, muscular enzymes and higher oxygen levels. A period of vasoconstriction (narrowing) and vasodilation (opening) of blood vessels and capillaries cause toxins in the body to be broken down and carried away activating all the body’s natural healing abilities. As a result, cryotherapy is very effective for athletic recovery, muscular repair, reduction of chronic pain and inflammation, and skin improvement through increased collagen production.

+ Q6. When was cryotherapy developed?

Whole body cryotherapy was originally developed in Japan in 1978 for the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis. The technology was perfected and gained popularity with elite athletes in Europe during the 80’s as a means for healing, including pain management and rehabilitation, enabling them to recover faster, train harder and perform better. Then in 2011, Mark Cuban bought a machine for the Dallas Mavericks and that was the year they won the NBA Championship so it garnered a lot of attention. Cryotherapy is continuing to gain popularity in the United States among doctors, chiropractors, physical therapists and professional sports organizations.

+ Q7. What are the risks of whole body cryotherapy?

With any exposure to extreme cold, there is a risk of skin irritation. It is important for you to have your skin dry and free of all lotions, oils and sweat. This will decrease the risk of any adverse reaction to the cold. Please refer to our full list of contraindications for other risk factors.

+ Q8. Can I exercise + workout directly before/after a cryotherapy session?

Absolutely! If you workout prior to your session, you can expect greater muscle and joint recovery due to the reduction in inflammation. If you workout post session, you can expect more energy, greater flexibility, more range of motion and a higher pain tolerance.

+ Q9. How many treatments should I do?

It varies person to person and depends on the results you seek and the condition being treated. But to experience cryotherapy at its maximum, we recommend 10 sessions within a 2-3 week period. It is safe to do up to 2 cryotherapy treatments max per day spaced 6 hours apart but is only recommended for those in heavy training or rehabilitation.

+ Q10. How do I feel after a cryotherapy session?

During each session the body releases endorphins, which are hormones that make you feel good and energetic. The buoyant effects from each session last at least six – eight hours and increase with the number of treatment sessions. Many clients have expressed that they have the best night of sleep after a Cryo session.

+ Q11. What does the client wear in the cryochamber?

Males wear dry boxers, shorts or briefs, while females can enter the chamber nude or with undergarments. It’s ok to wear minimal clothing such as a bra/underwear or bathing suit but the effects of full body cryotherapy work best with maximum skin exposure. We provide thermal gloves, socks and booties to protect the extremities from getting too cold. We also provide a robe or towel for comfort when entering and exiting the chamber.

+ Q12. Why do I need to wear boots and gloves?

During cryotherapy, the body pulls the blood away from the extremities and into the core, therefore extremities are required to be covered and protected.

+ Q13. Can I catch a cold from the effects of cryotherapy?

No. Cryotherapy will stimulate the body’s immune system which over time will help decrease the severity and frequency of colds & illness. We do not recommend that a client go in the chamber while actively sick.

+ Q14. Is there anything I should avoid following a cryotherapy treatment?

Yes. Do not enter a hot sauna or Jacuzzi for at least six hours. You should also minimize alcohol consumption for several hours following treatment.

+ Q15. Does my insurance cover cryotherapy and can I use my FSA/HSA?

Cryotherapy might be covered by some health insurance companies and we suggest inquiring with your provider to find out beforehand. If approved, we do not bill insurance so you will need to submit. You can however use your FSA/HSA accounts for whole body cryotherapy.

+ Q16. Does cryotherapy hurt?

Not at all. If you are familiar with an ice bath that has direct contact with the skin and can be painful, cryotherapy is a dry, indirect contact. Due to the session only being three minutes max, the session is very tolerable. Towards the end of the session, you may experience ‘pins and needles’ sensation but it disappears immediately after the treatment. The process of Cryotherapy never freezes the skin or soft tissue; the sensation of coldness is what actually drives the systemic response.

+ Q17. Is there an age restriction for cryotherapy treatment?

It is recommended that clients be at least 15 years of age. If you are under the age of 18 years old and authorized parental/legal guardian signature is required.

+ Q18. How much does Cryotherapy cost?

Proactive Health Labs offers a first-timers 25% discount! Our standard 1 time cryotherapy treatment is $40 per session. We also offer affordable packages and monthly memberships designed to save you money and can keep your health in tiptop shape.