Dr. Toshima Yamauchi originally developed the technique in Japan in 1978 for treating inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis. It has been used for years by European health care facilities due to its positive effects on immune, endocrine and musculoskeletal systems. Today, whole body cryotherapy is an internationally recognized restorative treatment for the body and mind.

Cryotherapy is a quick, non-invasive process that exposes your body — or parts of your body — to extreme cold of up to -260°F using liquid nitrogen. Cryotherapy chambers are used for whole body application to reduce overall skin temperature to between 40°F and 50°F while maintaining a healthy core temperature. This sudden drop in temperature signals the brain to go into “fight or flight” mode. This sends blood flow from your extremities back to your vital organs, which may cause a pins-and-needles sensation in your extremities.

Ice packs are a form of local cryotherapy. However, nitrogen-based cryotherapy units allow you to more effectively cover the entire service area around an injury, reaching typically inaccessible areas. For example, for a shoulder injury, local cryotherapy would allow you to treat the entire joint area. Cryotherapy also allows you to better control the temperature during the entire icing period.

Everyone's response to cryotherapy is different, so it depends on how your body reacts. This is where our integrated approach makes a difference: our healthcare professionals will help you determine optimal frequency depending on your body’s need. It may take four to six sessions for some people to see signs of change, while others can experience relief after a single session. If your goal is overall health and wellness, you may find that a regular routine works best for you. As with any new regime, consistency is key and you will achieve better results with regular use.

Yes. Cyrotherapy is an extremely safe modality and has been used for centuries to treat illness and improve health. There are, however, certain medical conditions where cryotherapy is contraindicated. We screen for these conditions, and if there is ever any doubt, we ask that you obtain clearance from your physician.

These conditions include: pregnancy, hypothyroidism, narrowing of valves, crescent-shaped aorta and mitral valve, chronic disease of the respiratory system, severe hypertension (blood pressure >180/100 mm/Hg), acute or recent myocardial infarction (heart attack —need to be cleared for exercise), unstable angina pectoris, arrhythmia, symptomatic cardiovascular disease, cardiac pacemaker, acute or recent cerebrovascular disease (stroke — must be cleared for exercise), peripheral arterial occlusive disease, uncontrolled seizures, fever, symptomatic lung disorders, asthma, venous thrombosis, bleeding disorders, severe anemia, infection, claustrophobia, Raynaud’s Syndrome or intolerance to cold, acute kidney and urinary tract diseases or incontinence.

If you are under the age of 18, we require parental consent.