Initial Visit Risks And Contraindications

Curious about what to expect for your first visit with us?

See below for some helpful tips, common post-treatment reactions and possible contraindications. If you have a condition listed in the contraindications, it does not mean that you

WHOLE BODY CRYOTHERAPY

We provide everything you need to experience your cryotherapy treatment including a robe, socks, gloves and rubber shoes. Men are required to wear underwear or shorts inside the Whole Body Cryotherapy chamber. You will need to remove all jewelry that will be exposed to the nitrogen gas unless it is covered by socks and gloves. If you have piercings, they can be covered when you arrive at our office.

Safety Instructions for Whole Body Cryotherapy

You must wear the socks, gloves and rubber slippers (and underwear in men) provided into the cryo chamber to avoid chilblain.

A tech will be with you at all times to guide you through the session and ensure your safety.

You may end the procedure at any time if you experience any problems or anxiety.

The following is a list of potential contraindications and risks. You may still be eligible to use the services below.

You may want to consult with Dr. Gray or your other medical team before using any of the services.

CRYOTHERAPY (Whole Body and Local)

It may not be appropriate for you to use the Whole Body chamber if you are experiencing any of the following conditions/disorders and you may want to consult with a physician if you have been diagnosed with, or suspect any of the following: Pregnancy, severe hypertension (BP> 180/100), acute or recent myocardial infarction, unstable angina pectoris, arrhythmia, symptomatic cardiovascular disease, cardiac pacemaker, heart valve malfunction, peripheral arterial occlusive disease, arrhythmia, angina, clotting, venous thrombosis, DVT, acute or recent cerebrovascular accident, uncontrolled seizures, cryoglobulinemia, cryofibriongenemia, agammaglobulinemia, acute infections, cold intolerance/allergy to cold, damaged skin (open wounds), unmanaged hypothyroidism, symptomatic lung disorders, bleeding disorders, severe anemia, infection, claustrophobia, cold-activated asthma, excessive sweating.

INFRARED SAUNA

Please make sure that you consume at least 20 oz. of water within an hour of your arrival. You should refrain from eating at least one to two hours prior to your sauna session to avoid any ill feelings. We will provide you with towels for during and after the treatment. To receive the maximum benefits from the sauna, you want as much skin exposed as possible to the infrared lights. You may want to consider bringing shorts, a sports bra, or a bathing suit to wear into the sauna. Your session will be private, so you are welcome to use the sauna without any clothing. We provide towels that you must sit on during your session. Please keep a towel between you and the sauna bench at all times.

For optimal results, skin should be free of deodorant, make up, fragrances, oils, and lotions. These items may block pores and affect perspiration.

Please note - smokers are not permitted in the sauna. The wood surface absorbs tobacco odor released from the pores of the body and will cause damage to the sauna and may cause allergic reactions to other clients. The use of drugs, medication or alcohol prior to or during the sauna session may lead to dizziness or unconsciousness. If you are using any of the following you should consult your prescribing physician for appropriateness of the infrared sauna treatment: beta blockers, diuretics, anticholinergics or barbiturates.

INFRARED SAUNA

*Don’t be surprised if you don’t sweat during the first few sessions. Sweating will increase with regular use, removing toxins and leaving you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Don’t Forget: HYDRATE!!! (Especially with electrolyte water!). The cryosauna and the infrared sauna release toxins stored within the body. Increasing hydration will help flush released toxins more quickly from the body.

Safety Instructions for Infrared Sauna

If you are currently taking medications such as beta blockers, diuretics or barbiturates, which can affect your heart rate or interrupt your body's natural abilities to sweat, contact your physician prior to use of infrared sauna.

1. If you have a recent (acute, within 48 hours) joint injury, chronically hot and swollen joints, enclosed infections (either dental, in-joints or any other tissue), breastfeeding, metal pins, rods, artificial joints or any other surgical implant due to the reflection of infrared rays by these articles, hemophiliacs and anyone predisposed to hemorrhage should avoid any type of heating that would induce vasodilatation, which can potentiate the tendency to bleed.

2. Please discontinue use of the sauna if you feel light-headed, dizzy, anxiety or heat exhausted. Open the door, place a cold, wet towel on the back of your head, and drink water.

3. You should prepare your skin for your session prior to your arrival. For optimal results, skin should be free of deodorant, make up, fragrances, oils, and lotions. These items may block pores and affect perspiration as well as stain the wood of the sauna.

4. Remove jewelry.

5. The use of drugs, medication or alcohol prior to or during the sauna session may lead to dizziness or unconsciousness.

6. It is advisable to drink plenty of water before and after sauna session. It is advised not to eat at least one to two hours prior to your sauna session to avoid any ill feelings.

7. Pregnant women should consult their physician prior to the use of the sauna. Excessive body temperatures have a potential for causing fetal damage during the early days of pregnancy.

8. As with any detoxification procedures you may experience flu like symptoms or a temporary increase in symptoms.

9. Following the session, clients are asked to towel off, rest for several minutes and rehydrate before getting dressed and leaving.

INFRARED SAUNA CONTRAINDICATIONS

The following is a list of potential contraindications. It may not be appropriate for you to use the infrared sauna if you are experiencing any of the following conditions/disorders and you may want to consult with a physician if you have been diagnosed with, or suspect any of the following:

  • Acute inflammation
  • Infections
  • Skin ulcerations
  • Cardiovascular issues
  • Unstable angina
  • Recent heart attack or recent cardiac event (once cleared for exercise—ok)
  • Untreated hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Circulatory conditions
  • Fresh venous thrombosis
  • Severe varicose vein
  • Peripheral arterial occlusive disease
  • History of stroke
  • Undiagnosed lumps and bumps
  • Pacemaker
  • Defibrillator
  • Systematic lupus erythematosus
  • Symptomatic lung disease
  • Recent (acute, within 48 hours) joint injury
  • Chronically hot and swollen joints

  • Metal pins, rods, artificial joints or any other surgical implant due to the reflection of infrared rays by these articles, Enclosed infections (either dental, in-joints or any other tissue)
  • Currently pregnant
  • Breastfeeding
  • Hemophiliacs and anyone predisposed to hemorrhage should avoid any type of heating that would induce vasodilatation, which can potentiate the tendency to bleed.
  • Taking beta blockers, diuretics, anticholinergics or barbiturates
  • Anhidrosis or any condition that may limit your ability to sweat
  • Cancer
  • Malignant tumors
  • Uncontrolled Seizures
  • Recent alcohol/drug intake
  • Diabetics with sugar high or low within last 48 hours
  • Asthma sufferers who have had an asthma attack within last 48 hours.

COMPRESSION/LYMPH THERAPY

Please bring clean and dry leggings or a long sleeve shirt (depending if you are doing a lower body or upper body treatment) with you for your treatment. Skin should be covered by compression clothing, i.e sleeves, leggings, socks. Your clothing cannot be dirty or wet or we will ask that you wear our provided clothing.

Risks of Compression Therapy

Diabetics may experience blood sugar fluctuations during the treatment, fluctuations in blood pressure may occur with uncontrolled hypertension, sometimes detox symptoms such as headaches, fatigue and body pain may be experienced in which case an extra day or two break should be taken between sessions, DVT dislodgement, claustrophobia.

The following is a list of potential contraindications and risks for Compression Therapy.

You may still be eligible to use the services below.

You may want to consult with Dr. Gray or your other medical team before using any of the services.

Contraindications to using Compression Therapy

  • Untreated hypertension (diastolic above 90mmhg),
  • Pregnancy
  • Heart conditions
  • DVT
  • Severe varicose veins

  • Peripheral artery occlusive disease
  • History of stroke
  • Undiagnosed lumps and bumps
  • Cancer/malignant tumors

PEMF

Safety Instructions for PEMF

Client must remove all metal jewelry, cell phones, electronics, key fobs, credit cards, and anything with a magnetic strip. Never lay applicators on metal surfaces or device (suitcase).

The following is a list of potential contraindications and risks for PEMF. You may still be eligible to use the services below.

You may want to consult with Dr. Gray or your other medical team before using any of the services.

Implanted Electrical Devices: DO NOT use PEMF device if active applicator is placed over electrical devices that are implanted in the body. The magnetic field has the ability to shut off, or interfere with devices such as: electrically or magnetically operated shunts, cardiac pacemakers or cardiac defibrillators, deep brain stimulators, gastric stimulators, insulin pumps, foot drop implants, cochlear implants, other implanted electronic devices

Pregnant Women: Pregnant women should remain at least 6 ft away from active device.

Graves’ Disease & Active Bleeding: Clients with these issues should use with caution.

Organ Transplant Patients: Organ transplant patients that are on immunosuppressant medications to prevent organ rejection, PEMF has the potential to affect this process. It may actually promote a more aggressive rejection by stimulating the immune system.

Breast Implants: DO NOT use high intensity PEMF over breast implants due to risk of agitating the plastic, or silicone in the implant, resulting in possible thinning and risk of leaking.

Implanted Metals: Joint Replacements, Dental Implants, Mechanical Heart Valves, Metal Stents, or Metal Staples in Blood Vessels:

High intensity PEMF should be used with caution, and under the supervision of Dr. Gray if client has implanted metals. For dental implants if you feel a stinging sensation in area see Dr. Gray.

Piezo Wave (Acoustic Compression Therapy/Shockwave Therapy)

Please wear appropriate attire to expose the body part that you are treating. We can provide gowns or sheets and blankets to cover untreated areas.

Safety Instructions for Piezo Wave

You must communicate with your technician regarding the pain that you feel as treatment is administered. The technician cannot feel or detect pain points with the device.

The following is a list of potential contraindications and risks for Piezo Wave/Shockwave Therapy.

You may still be eligible to use the services below.

You may want to consult with Dr. Gray or your other medical team before using any of the services.

  • Infections/skin abrasions (over treatment areas)
  • Fitted Pacemaker
  • Pregnancy (within the surrounding area)
  • Blood Clotting Disorders (including Thrombosis)
  • Taking anti-coagulants

  • Hemo-diluting medication
  • Receiving steroid injections or taking Fluoroquinolones within 6 weeks of treatment
  • Neuropathic conditions affecting sensation in the treatment field Cancer cells/Tumor/Lung/Brain tissue in the treatment area Currently suffering from open wounds/post-surgical wounds in treatment area.

Hyperbaric Chamber

RISKS

The technology, known as mild Hyperbaric Therapy(mHBT), has been reported to have beneficial effects for a wide range of conditions without negative side effects. Nevertheless, as with many treatments, there are areas of concern which you should be aware. It is important that you take a few minutes to read the following information.

OTIC BAROTRAUMA: Is a condition of injury to the eardrum, and is extremely unlikely to occur in the mild hyperbaric chamber. However, severe ear discomfort can be caused if you cannot equalize the pressure in your ears. As the chamber is pressurized and depressurized, you must be able to equalize the pressure in your ears to acclimate to the pressure changes. You will most likely experience "popping" in your ears. This is normal. You can assist the equalization process by yawning, chewing, swallowing, working your jaw side to side and up and down, turning the head side to side and ear to shoulder. Sitting upright in the chamber during pressurization and depressurization will generally also make the equalization process more comfortable. In general, doing whatever assists you being comfortable when taking off and landing in a plane may be most effective for you. Continue to do this as needed for the duration of pressurization and depressurization. When the chamber reaches full pressure and again when the chamber is completely deflated. There should be no additional pressure in the ears. IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO EQUALIZE EAR PRESSURE AND EXPERIENCE PAIN IN ONE OR BOTH EARS, IT IS CRITICAL THAT YOU COMMUNICATE ANY DISCOMFORT IMMEDIATELY TO THE STAFF. This will give us the opportunity to make adjustments in the pressurization or depressurization process to eliminate discomfort. If you are unable to equalize the pressure in your ears the visit will be immediately terminated. If this happens or if pain persists beyond the visit, we recommend that you consult your physician to evaluate and alleviate the situation before attempting another visit. EAR, SINUS AND/OR THROAT CONGESTION, HEAD COLDS, VIRUS OR PRIOR TRAUMA TO THE EARS: You may consider rescheduling your visit in the chamber if you are suffering from any of these conditions. Discomfort from these conditions is less frequent but may occur. IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO EQUALIZE EAR PRESSURE AND EXPERIENCE PAIN IN ONE OR BOTH EARS, IT IS CRITICAL THAT YOU COMMUNICATE ANY DISCOMFORT IMMEDIATELY TO THE STAFF so we can assist you or terminate your visit. We recommend you consult your physician in order to alleviate the underlying condition before attempting another visit.

PULMONARY HYPEREXPANSION: This condition is very rare under mild hyperbaric treatments. However, to be overly cautious, HOLDING YOUR BREATH DURING DECOMPRESSION MUST BE AVOIDED as it could lead to expansion of the air in your lungs and damage to the lung tissues. In the highly unlikely event of an unexpected rapid decompression, it is critical that you exhale immediately.

MEDICATIONS: mild Hyperbaric Therapy may enhance the effectiveness or increase the metabolism (decrease the effectiveness) of any medication you are taking. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT YOU HAVE THE DOSAGE AND FREQUENCY OF ALL MEDICATIONS MONITORED AND ADJUSTED REGULARLY BY YOUR PHYSICIAN. PREGNANCY: MILD HYPERBARIC THERAPY IS NOT ALLOWED DURING THE FIRST TRIMESTER. After this time it may be beneficial to both mother and child.

SEIZURES: mild Hyperbaric Therapy is not associated with causing or inducing seizures. To be on the cautious side we have established a seizure protocol that involved reaching full pressure(4.2psi) and spending full treatment time (standard 1 hour) in the chamber over a series of staged visits. IF ANYONE GETTING IN THE CHAMBER IS SEIZURE PRONE, THE STAFF MUST BE MADE AWARE PRIOR TO THE FIRST VISIT. If a seizure is experienced in our clinic, unless otherwise instructed (and a waver is signed), our procedure is to call 911, remove the patient from the chamber and make the individual as comfortable as possible.

DETOXIFYING OR CELL DIEOFF: mild Hyperbaric Therapy may assist the body to naturally detoxify and balance digestive flora. AN INDIVIDUAL MAY EXPERIENCE SOME DISCOMFORT FROM THIS PROCESS IN AS LITTLE AS 1 TO 36 HOURS AFTER TREATMENT. Symptoms may include; flu like symptoms, loss of appetite, stomach ache, constipation, diarrhea, headache, behavioral issues etc. Although unpleasant, this is a natural process and continuing treatments may be of benefit to more rapidly accomplish a positive result. However, IF SYMPTOMS PERSIST, WE RECOMMEND CONSULTING YOUR PHYSICIAN TO EVALUATE AND ALLEVIATE THE SITUATION BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANOTHER VISIT.

PNEUMOTHORAX: mild Hyperbaric Therapy is contraindicated for an existing pneumothorax (collapsed lung). IF YOU HAVE A PNEUMOTHORAX OR SUSPECT THAT A PNEUMOTHORAX IS AN ISSUE, YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED IN THE CHAMBER UNTIL YOU/WE RECEIVE A DOCTOR’S CLEARANCE. If you have experienced a pneumothorax in the past and have already been “cleared from your doctor” to resume normal activity, once you have provided a written confirmation.

COMPRESSIVE BRAIN LESIONS – SUBDURAL HEMATOMA, INTERCRANIAL HEMATOMA: mild Hyperbaric Therapy is contraindicated for existing compressive brain lesions (subdural hematoma, intercranial hematoma). IF YOU HAVE COMPRESSIVE BRAIN LESIONS OR SUSPECT THAT COMPRESSIVE BRAIN LESIONS ARE AN ISSUE, YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED IN THE CHAMBER UNTIL YOU/WE RECEIVE A DOCTOR’S CLEARANCE. If you have experienced compressive brain lesions in the past and have already been “cleared from your doctor” to resume normal activity, once you have provided a written confirmation.

DIABETES / INSULIN DEPENDANT: Insulin dependency may result in a drop in blood sugar while in the chamber. IT IS CRITICAL THAT YOU IMMEDIATELY COMMUNICATE TO THE STAFF IF YOU EXPERIENCE OR ANTICIPATE AN EPISODE. YOUR TREATMENT WILL BE TERMINATED. You are required to; A) take a blood sugar reading prior to your treatment (if below 150, you must have a snack prior to treatment) and again after your treatment (if below 150, you must have a snack prior to leaving). B) Take a protein bar and a juice box (or whatever you use if faced with a “drop” in the normal management of your condition) into the chamber with you.

SENSITIVITY TO CHEMICALS (MCS) / ODORS / ALLERGY: Avoid wearing heavy colognes as the smells may linger in the chamber and have an adverse effect on another patient. IF YOU EXPERIENCE ADVERSE SENSITIVITY OR HAVE ALLERGIES THAT MAY BECOME AGGRAVATED WHILE IN THE CHAMBER, LET THE STAFF KNOW PRIOR TO YOUR VISIT OR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE WHEN IN THE CHAMBER SO MEASURES CAN BE TAKEN TO ASSURE YOUR COMFORT OR IF YOUR VISIT NEEDS TO BE TERMINATED. We recommend that you wear a charcoal mask or filter if it is known to assist your condition. If these sensitivities persist and you cannot exist comfortably in the chamber, you will need to consult your physician in order to alleviate the underlying condition before attempting another visit.

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