Frequently Asked Questions About Cryotherapy

The Cryosauna uses gas form nitrogen to lower the client’s skin surface temperature by 30-50 degrees Fahrenheit over a period of two-three minutes. The Cryochamber is cooled using liquid nitrogen but clients are not in direct contact with the gas. The skin reacts to the cold and sends messages to the brain that acts as a stimulant to the regulatory functions of the body. It produces the scanning of all areas that may not be working to their fullest potential. The skin exposure to the extreme temperatures also triggers the release of anti-inflammatory molecules and endorphins.

Whole body cryotherapy was originally developed in Japan in 1978 for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, and the benefits have been studied and refined in Europe since that time. Whole body cryotherapy has been used in Europe and Japan for more than three decades. Multiple research studies have been published in medical journals about the effects of whole body cryotherapy, and in many European countries the treatments are covered by medical insurance policies. In the United States, whole body cryotherapy is considered a non-medical wellness modality, and health insurances do not offer reimbursements for the service.

Yes, cryotherapy is completely safe. The Nitrogen used to cool the chamber is the same Nitrogen that makes up 78% of the air we breathe. The client’s head remains outside of the chamber for the entire session and they breathe regular room air. For added safety, the client also wears socks, gloves, and boots (provided by Thrive CryoStudio) throughout the session. A Thrive CryoStudio certified employee will be with the client throughout the duration of the treatment.

Cryotherapy is completely safe. The Nitrogen used to cool the chamber is the same Nitrogen that makes up 78% of the air we breathe. The client’s head remains outside of the chamber for the entire session and they breathe regular room air. For added safety, the client also wears socks, gloves and boots (provided by Thrive CryoStudio) throughout the session. A Thrive CryoStudio certified employee will be with the client throughout the duration of the treatment.

You are simply unable to achieve the same results with an ice bath and the human body reacts differently in a cryotherapy treatment compared to an ice bath.

After 12-15 minutes of a shockingly cold ice bath the skin temperature only arrives at 41 degrees, whereas with 2-3 minutes of whole body cryotherapy, the skin temperature gets as low as 30 degrees. During an ice bath, your body is increasing circulation throughout your body, in order to keep it warm. Cryotherapy shocks the skin receptors, which send signals to the brain signaling a much greater response, causing your body to go into “survival mode.” During this time, your body vasoconstricts, sending most of your blood to your core vital organs. It’s during this time, that the blood is enriched with increased oxygen, nurtrients and enzymes. After the cryotherapy treatment, your body vasodialates, sending this enriched blood back out to the rest of your body. This allows for a different physiological response from the body increasing your speed of recovery and overall healing.

Yes. Before entering the Cryosauna, clients are required to dress in protective clothing composed of cotton socks, cotton underwear (for men), and gloves. A session is of short duration (2-3 minutes), and the cold is ‘dry’, so it is very tolerable. Towards the end of the session, you may get a ‘pins and needles’ sensation, which disappears immediately after the treatment. Men and women can wear their underwear or we provide disposable ones. Women may also choose to wear a bra or sports bra.

A typical Whole Body Cryotherapy treatment is very quick. The session lasts 3 minutes and you can be in and out in just under 15 minutes total.

Due to the extremely low temperatures, you will be required to remove all jewelry and metal from your body. Socks, boots and gloves are provided and required, and men must also wear undergarments. All other clothing is removed.

Many people experience a boost in their mood, energy and some minor relief from aches and pains in the first couple treatments. However, a minimum of 8-10 sessions is recommended to see maximum/noticeable benefits.

Yes. Your head will be outside of the chamber throughout the entire treatment. In addition, the door to the chamber is never locked, so you are able to exit at any time.

The treatment is completely dry and your body does not come into contact with anything besides the nitrogen vapors, so you do not need to shower before or after the cryotherapy treatment.

It is safe either way. If you exercise before whole body cryotherapy, you will experience decreased muscle soreness and greater recovery time due to the reduction in inflammation. If you exercise after the cryotherapy, you will experience a increased energy and a looser overall feeling in the body, providing a better workout!

Cryotherapy has become quite popular across the United States due to its effectiveness in overall health and wellness. In fact, more and more gyms, spas and individual cryotherapy treatment centers are opening up in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia as well. However, Elite Wellness is one of the industry leaders in cryotherapy as a treatment, safety and the tailored approach it takes with each of its customers. Clients will not receive a standard script when they visit any of our locations. Rather, our staff will take the time to listen, understand, educate and recommend the best treatment plan (which may or may not include cryotherapy) that we feel will fit our client’s needs.

Those who should not be doing cryotherapy are those with impaired circulation, hypersensitivity to cold, such as Raynaud’s phenomenon, cold urticaria, cryoglobulinemia, and paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria. Other reasons why you should not be doing cryotherapy include pregnancy, blood pressure above 130 > 90 or those with a cardiac pacemaker. The good news is that we have other services to offer you to help with your performance and recovery needs!

Amazing! During each session the body releases endorphins, which are hormones that make you feel good and energetic. The mood-enhancing effects from each session can last for days. The more regular your treatments the more sustainable the effects.

Whole body Cryothherapy is very well tolerated and has minimal risks: Fluctuations in blood pressure during the procedure by up to 10 points systolically (this effect reverses after the end of the procedure, as peripheral circulation returns to normal), allergic reaction to extreme cold (rare), claustrophobia, redness, and skin burns (only if exposed to low temperatures longer than recommended).

Most insurances do not cover crytoherapy but some FSA and HSA accounts will reimburse.

The Air Relax is an air compression device with multiple chambers that compress in succession. Our system increases blood flow through your muscles, which has been shown to aid with sports and other recovery, similar to the effects of a professional massage.

After fitting both legs into thigh-high cuffs, just sit or lay on a flat surface of a bed, floor or couch and let the technology do the work. The leg cuffs have hoses that connect to the air compressor. Once the compressor is turned on, the air chambers in each leg cuff fill up with air in the sequence you choose, gradually compressing each muscle group in the legs and feet and then repeating. You may choose the compression sequence you like the most. Massage therapy will increase circulation and will flush lactic acid from a users legs after a tough workout or standing for long periods.

It is recommended to use not more than 3 times a day for 15-30 minutes. Do not exceed the recommended time! There is no side effects, unless you use it more that it’s recommended.

This product is intended for use by medical professionals and patients at home who are under supervision. In treating many conditions, such as: primary Lymphedema, Edema following trauma sport injuries, Postimmobilation edema, Venous insufficiency, Lymphedema, Poor Blood Circulation.

Please consult a physician before using this device:

• If you are pregnant
• If you feel fatigue, weak
• If you have an implant at the site of application
• f you have a cardiac pacemaker
• If you have any metal implant in your body

Do not use this product if you are experiencing inflammation, an infection, pain of unknown origin, or bleeding (internal or external) at or near the site of application, or if you have a wound at or new the site of application.

• Acute pulmonary edema
• Acute infections
• Osteoporosis
• Episodes of pulmonary embolism
• Acute thrombophlebitis
• DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis)
• Blood Clots
• Where increased venous and lymphatic return is undesirable at or in the vicinity of the treatment application because of lesions or tumors.
• Bone fractures or dislocation at or in the vicinity of treatment application.
• Open wounds or inflammation at the site of application.

What are Air relax setting, Modes, and pressure?

Press the “MODE” button once to change the mode.

“A” mode inflates and deflates the chambers from the bottom up, one at a time.

“B” mode also inflates the chambers from the bottom up, but maintains the pressure in the lowers chambers as it works its way to the top.

“C” mode maintains pressure in all chambers at once, and then releases.

“AUTO” function starts when it’s pressed during the operation. “AUTO” program combines “MODE” (A, B, C) and “POINT. Pressure Level 3 will run by default. You may change it.

“AUTO” function starts when it’s pressed during the operation. “AUTO” program combines “MODE” (A, B, C) and “POINT. Pressure Level 3 will run by default. You may change it.

Pressure range is 0-230 mmHG. There are 4 pressure levels, which can be selected by pressing the button during operation.

• Level 1: 0-60 mmHg
• Level 2: 60-120 mmHg
• Level 3: 120-180 mmHg
• Level 4: 180-230 mmHg