1. What is Whole Body Cryotherapy?
WBC was first used in Japan in 1978 by Dr. Toshiro Yamauchi as a means of treating rheumatoid arthritis. The researchers were astonished when test studies began producing other beneficial results beyond Rheumatoid arthritis pain management. The cold therapy is administered by a cryo unit which is developed and manufactured in Atlanta, GA (USA). Sessions range from 2 minutes to 3 minutes as this is the amount of time needed for skin receptors to signal the brain to produce positive biological responses.
2. If Whole Body Cryotherapy has been around for 30 years why haven’t I heard of it?
It has been around for 30 years in Europe, where it has become very popular among the rugby and football communities. It wasn’t until around 2010 that many athletes here in America began experiencing the wonderful effects of WBC, but since then it has quickly spread and the field is growing significantly in many different states.
3. Is there any scientific research on WBC?
Many research studies have been conducted showing positive benefits and verifying its safety. Around 2010, WBC found its way over to America due to its growing popularity within the athletic community and the backing of many athletic trainers and medical practitioners. In 2015, renowned and respected orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews, founder of the American Sports Medicine Institute, came out in full support of WBC.
4. Is Whole Body Cryotherapy safe and tested?
Yes. WBC has been used in Europe for over 30 years without any severe adverse reactions ever recorded as long as the proper protocols are followed.
5. Is Whole Body Cryotherapy just for athletes?
Cryotherapy is for anybody who would like to feel less pain naturally, have reduced muscle soreness, experience better performance, enhance their mood, improved their skin, and burn calories. So just about anyone can benefit from WBC.
6. How long does it take to complete a cryo session?
One of the greatest advantages of WBC is its convenience. After an individual’s initial session, it shouldn’t take any longer than ten to fifteen minutes from start to finish.
7. What do I have to wear while inside the cryo unit?
Males only need to wear underwear, while females don’t need to wear anything (bra optional but no underwire). It is okay to wear minimal clothing such as bathing suits or undergarments, but the effects of WBC work best when more skin surface area is exposed. We will provide a robe, gloves, sock and slippers to protect the extremities.
8. Will I feel discomfort during the treatment?
Many people are pleasantly surprised at how tolerable the treatment is and claim that the session is very invigorating. We also provide gloves, socks, and neoprene boots to help with your comfort during the session.
9. After the session is over, how will I feel?
During each session the body releases endorphins which are hormones that make you feel good and energetic. Upon stepping out of the cryo unit, you will feel the tingling sensation of the re-oxygenated blood rushing back into your extremities. Many individuals claim feeling relaxed and rejuvenated, and these mood-enhancing effects from each session can last for days.
10. What activities can I perform after a session of Whole Body Cryotherapy?
The great thing about WBC is that just five minutes after a session, an individual can partake in any physical activity or event. Since the treatment is dry and not wet like a typical ice bath, an individual’s muscles will not feel numb.
11. How often do you recommend I get a cryo treatment?
We recommend clients initially take 10 treatments in close succession within their first 30 days to maximize results. After that you can take 2-3 treatments per week to maintain. Some clients may experience noticeable differences after just one treatment, but optimal results typically occur when 10 sessions are completed within your first 3-4 weeks. The total number of sessions recommended may depend on your overall goals of using WBC. But once you experience the increased energy, improved sleep, metabolic boost, and endorphin rush that comes with WBC treatment, you will want to make cryo a part of your lifestyle.
12. Is it safe to use nitrogen gas?
Liquid nitrogen is 100 percent harmless. Nitrogen is a non-flammable and non-toxic gas. The nitrogen being used to cool the Cryo unit is the same nitrogen that makes up the air we breathe (78% of it). During the session, due to the design of the Cryo unit, the client breathes the air in the room as their face is out of the Cryo unit.
13. Can’t I get the same effect from an ice bath?
It is not possible to achieve the same effects with an ice bath. The temperature of an ice bath (30 F to 50 F) can’t come anywhere close to the temperature inside of the Cryo unit (-190 F to -270 F.) The biological effects that happen from the Cryotherapy session are simply way more powerful than any other cold modality out there. Not to mention WBC is a whole lot quicker than an ice bath taking a total of only 180 seconds.
14. Are there any health contraindications to Cryotherapy?
Safety is the most important concern to the team at WholeCryo. We cannot permit certain individuals to enter the Cryo unit due to biological reasons, medical diseases, or lack of research testing, here is the list of conditions that will prevent use of WBC:
- Untreated Hypertension: (Fluctuations in blood pressure during a session result in an increase of 10mm/Hg Systolic, but reverses once session is over)
- Systolic Blood Pressure above 170 mm/Hg or Diastolic Blood Pressure above 100 mm/Hg
- Pregnancy
- Congestive Heart Failure
- Heart Attack within the previous 6 months
- Unstable Angina Pectoris
- Pacemaker
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or known circulatory dysfunction (blood clots)
- COPD
- Severe Anemia
- Cold Allergenic Phenomenon
- Seizure disorders
- Hyperhidrosis (heavy perspiration)
