Cryotherapy Services
College Station, Tx
FAQ
What are the benefits of cryotherapy?
There are numerous benefits to Whole Body and local Cryotherapy sessions. For athletes and those in training (marathons, triathlons, etc…), Whole Body and Localized Cryotherapy are used to help relieve chronic pain, decrease inflammation, speed recovery time, increase athletic performance, and reduce delayed onset muscle soreness. Whole Body Cryotherapy is beneficial for everyday health, wellness, and beauty benefits. Since the temperature of the outer layer of skin is lowered, capillaries and blood vessels undergo vasoconstriction, immediately followed by vasodilation. This causes the body to release toxins and feel good endorphins. The skin's exposure to extreme cold also causes the body to increase its metabolic rate, burning between 500-800 calories per session. Some additional benefits include: pain relief from chronic medical conditions, increased circulation throughout your body, improvement of mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. This cutting edge technology assists with clearing of skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and acne, reduction in the appearance of cellulite, and tighter, more youthful looking skin.
How does cryotherapy work?
The Whole Body Cryosauna uses a gaseous form of nitrogen to lower skin surface temperature by 30-50 degrees during a two-three minute session. The exposed skin reacts to the extreme temperatures by sending messages to the brain that stimulate natural regulatory functions of the body. In addition, the skin’s exposure to these subzero temperatures trigger the release of anti-inflammatory molecules, endorphins, toxins, and increases oxygen circulation within the bloodstream.
Who should use whole body cryotherapy?
Whole Body Cryotherapy is ideal for athletes seeking muscle recovery, people with chronic pain and inflammatory conditions, and those seeking weight loss and skin rejuvenation. Cryotherapy is used post-surgically to accelerate the healing process and reduce pain without the side effects of pain medications and anti-inflammatory drugs. Younger clients under the age of 18, can use Whole Body Cryotherapy with parent’s consent.
How do you feel after a cryotherapy session?
Whole Body Cryotherapy stimulates the body to release endorphins, the hormones that make us feel alert and energetic. The energized effects from each session typically last six to eight hours. The more sessions you do in close succession, the longer the endorphin high lasts. Many clients also report improvements in their sleep quality after cryotherapy. Muscle aches and stiff joints also feel a sense of relief.
What are the risks of whole body cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy is very well tolerated and has minimal risks. Systolic blood pressure during the procedure can increase by 10 points but will reverse after the procedure as peripheral circulation returns to normal. Allergic reactions to extreme cold (chilblain), claustrophobia, anxiety are rare. Activation of some viral conditions (cold sores, etc.) due to stimulation of the immune system can occur. Protective clothing (socks, gloves, undergarments) must be dry in order to avoid chilblain.
What should I wear?
BCS Cryo provides every client with a robe, socks, slippers and gloves that are used to protect your extremities during the cryotherapy session. Men should wear at least boxers or underwear, but athletic shorts are preferred. Women should wear at least bra and underwear. Women should try to avoid bras with metal underwire or clasps, sport bras and athletic shorts are recommended. Women may also wear a swimsuit with no metal touching the skin. All clients must remove all jewelry and exterior metal/body piercings. Additionally, it is recommended that you pat yourself dry with a towel and do not apply oils, lotions, or cologne immediately prior to your appointment.
How cold does it get?
The Cryosauna can reach temperatures as low as -180° F, lowering the clients skin surface temperature by 30-50 degrees.
Who shouldn’t do whole body cryotherapy?
The following conditions are contraindications to Whole Body Cryotherapy: Pregnancy, severe Hypertension (BP> 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, severe Raynaud’s Syndrome, fever, tumor disease, symptomatic lung disorders, bleeding disorders, severe anemia, infection, cold-allergy, acute kidney and urinary tract diseases. Children under 18 must have parental consent and have a parent present during each session.
How does whole body cryotherapy compare to an ice bath?
Whole Body Cryotherapy results in a very different response from the body compared to traditional ice baths. Two to three minutes in the Cryosauna, which is a cold, dry nitrogen vapor, is equivalent to 20-30 minutes in an ice bath without the uncomfortable feeling of submerging in ice cold water. The nitrogen vapor chills the top skin layers and cold receptors lowering the outer body’s temp 30-50 degrees. This causes the brain to restrict blood flow to your extremities, which is the bodies natural fight-or-flight response to extreme cold. The body reacts to the Whole Body Cryotherapy session by releasing anti-inflammatory proteins and endorphins resulting in super-charged blood. Fifteen minutes in an ice bath of cold water initially causes the body to move blood to the extremities and results in a lowering of the body’s core temperature. Ice baths do no supercharge the blood like Cryotherapy.
How many cryotherapy sessions are need for optimal results?
Depending upon the condition of the individual, it should initially take five to ten sessions in close succession (every other day) for the first 2 weeks. After this initial loading period, maintenance sessions should be at least once per week.
Is exercise recommended after the cryotherapy session?
Yes, an advantage of cryotherapy over ice therapy is that tissues and muscle are not frozen. Ten minutes of light exercise post cryotherapy will induce more rapid vasodilation of the blood vessels and capillaries and extend the period of analgesia. It is also ideal post-workout to speed athletic recovery and ease sore muscles.