As cryotherapy increases in popularity among athletes, individuals looking to eliminate aches and pains, and those who are just looking to treat their body to well-deserved restoration, it only makes sense that first-time clients come to Restore with a variety of questions before their first session. From safety precautions, to benefits and results, Dr. Gray and her team will guide you through every step of the treatment as well as create a wellness plan that is best suited to your body’s unique needs.
What is Cryotherapy?
Put simply, Whole Body Cryotherapy (WBC) exposes the body to temperatures low enough to trigger a systemic anti-inflammatory response. The client is placed in a cryosauna for just one and a half to three minutes which lowers the client’s skin surface temperature quickly and significantly enough to stimulate the body’s response without causing any damage to tissue. No other treatment can duplicate these results without a high risk of injury.
Localized Cryotherapy, targets specific areas of injury, pain, or inflammation in the body, without entering the whole body cryosauna.
How to Prepare for Your First Cryotherapy Session
Truthfully there is not much you need to do to prepare for a session, as our motto is “walk in and enjoy!” However, we completely understand that it can be nerve-racking for first time clients and especially for those who hate the cold. We recommend keeping an open mind as it is nothing like you would expect and assure you that your body can in fact handle the cold!
“I was scared and hesitant for my first cryo experience, but rest assured Dr. Gray, the staff, and the warm environment made me very comfortable. I feel fantastic after one treatment like the endorphins after an exercise class. I thought I could never handle the cold. I highly recommend it and can’t wait for my next cryo.” – Robyn G.
In deciding if cryotherapy is the right treatment option for you, we have seen clients with a wide range of conditions and general reasons for choosing cryo. From athletes to people who struggle with hot flashes and sleep issues, there are very few limitations to who cryotherapy can benefit. While our team does a thorough health and safety examination prior to the treatment, we encourage you to contact our office if you’re unsure if cryo is a fit for you!
What To (& Not to) Wear to a Cryotherapy Session
At Restore, our team will provide you with socks, slippers, a robe, and for men, disposable underwear if needed. The only requirement at our center is that men must wear underwear when inside the cryosauna for their own protection. Other than that, check out our list of suggestions and options for getting dressed the day of your appointment:
- You must not be wet when entering the cryosauna, e.g. sweat from a workout prior
- Piercings must be taken out or covered with an adhesive bandage
- Women who opt to wear a bra should ensure it is wireless
What to Expect During Your Cryotherapy Session
During your first, and every, cryotherapy session, a member of our team will be there to cheer you on and guide you through the process. The treatment itself will only last 3 minutes, during which you will feel a rush of cold air. Our team’s mentality is that you can do anything you put your mind to for 3 minutes, so don’t limit yourself as the benefits are endless.
The Benefits & Results of Cryotherapy
The benefits of cryotherapy often depend on the reason why you’ve chosen the treatment. The majority of individuals report feeling as if they’re in a mellow euphoria after a treatment. Generally, clients will experience the following benefits:
- A decrease in inflammation
- Reduction or elimination of soreness and aches and pains
- A shortened recovery time
- A reduction in fatigue and Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness
- Improvement in blood circulation and lymphatic system drainage
- Improvement in strength and joint function
- Improved sleep
For those who suffer from an autoimmune disease, such as Lupus, MS, and rheumatoid arthritis, the reduction in the body’s inflammation has shown to be an effective treatment. For athletes and individuals who are looking to improve their wellbeing, benefits include an improvement in strength and blood circulation.
Clients’ relief varies from instantaneous, to having to complete a few sessions based on their conditions, Those whose bodies tend to be more inflamed, such as those with an autoimmune disease, often need to schedule a few treatments in order to feel significant results. Our team thinks of cryotherapy similarly to exercising–the more you do in quick succession the more noticeable the results and benefits will be and the easier it will be to maintain.
After your first session, you may not know when to book your next appointment, which is why our team is here to help! We have 2-week and 4-week programs, as well as offer one-off sessions, designed to help our clients understand the benefits of cryo for their body. Over time and after multiple sessions, you will actually begin to tell you when you’re in need of a session and you’ll be able to feel the effects cryotherapy has on your body and overall sense of wellbeing.
Our team is here to help determine your health goals and what works best for you specifically, as we understand everybody is different- you’ll just have to experience it for yourself!
Any other questions? Dr. Gray and RHLC’s team are happy to answer any questions that you may have. Call our team today: (610) 341-9300
