Cryotherapy: Complete Guide to Whole-Body Cold Treatment
Negative 250 degrees Fahrenheit. That's colder than the surface of Mars. You stand in a chamber for three minutes while nitrogen-cooled air blasts your skin, and when you step out, you feel like you could run through a wall.
Whole-body cryotherapy is the most extreme cold therapy available—and for some applications, that intensity is exactly the point.
What Is Whole-Body Cryotherapy?
During a cryotherapy session, you stand in a chamber while nitrogen-cooled air rapidly drops the temperature around your body. Your head typically remains above the chamber, breathing room-temperature air.
How Cryotherapy Works
The extreme cold triggers:
- Vasoconstriction - Blood vessels constrict, rushing blood to your core
- Endorphin release - Natural pain-killing hormones flood your system
- Norepinephrine surge - Up to 300% increase in this mood-boosting neurotransmitter
- Anti-inflammatory response - Reduced inflammation throughout the body
When you exit, blood rushes back to extremities, delivering oxygen and nutrients while flushing metabolic waste.
Cryotherapy vs. Cold Plunge
| Feature | Cryotherapy | Cold Plunge |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | -200°F to -300°F | 50-59°F |
| Duration | 2-3 minutes | 2-15 minutes |
| Medium | Nitrogen-cooled air | Water |
| Penetration | Skin-deep | Deep tissue |
| Convenience | Quick sessions | Longer commitment |
Both are effective—cryotherapy is faster, while cold plunge provides deeper cooling.
Benefits of Whole-Body Cryotherapy
1. Rapid Muscle Recovery
Cryotherapy is a staple for professional athletes. Benefits include:
- Reduced muscle soreness (DOMS)
- Faster recovery between training sessions
- Decreased inflammation
- Improved performance
Studies show athletes recover faster and report less fatigue after cryotherapy.
2. Pain and Inflammation Relief
The anti-inflammatory effects help with:
- Chronic pain conditions
- Arthritis and joint pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Post-surgical recovery
A study found that whole-body cryotherapy significantly reduced inflammatory markers (IL-6, TNF-α) in athletes, supporting its use for recovery and inflammation management. (Lombardi et al., PLoS ONE)
3. Mood Enhancement and Mental Clarity
The norepinephrine surge produces:
- Elevated mood
- Increased alertness
- Reduced anxiety
- Better focus
Many users report feeling euphoric and energized after sessions.
4. Metabolism Boost
Extreme cold forces your body to work hard to maintain temperature:
- Temporarily increases calorie burn as your body generates heat to stay warm (exact burn varies by person and protocol)
- Activates brown fat
- May support weight management goals
Early research suggests cold exposure can activate brown adipose tissue and modestly increase energy expenditure, but precise calorie counts for whole-body cryotherapy sessions have not been well established. (van Marken Lichtenbelt et al., N Engl J Med; Huttunen et al., Clin Sci)
5. Skin Health
Cold exposure can improve skin by:
- Increasing collagen production
- Reducing inflammation (helps acne, eczema)
- Tightening pores
- Improving overall tone
6. Better Sleep
Regular cryotherapy users often report:
- Falling asleep faster
- Deeper sleep quality
- Feeling more rested
What to Expect During Cryotherapy
Before Your Session
- Wear dry undergarments (provided or your own)
- Remove all jewelry and metal
- Ensure skin is completely dry
- No lotions or oils
During Your Session
- Duration: 2-3 minutes
- Attire: Underwear, socks, gloves, ear protection
- Position: Standing, head above chamber
- Sensation: Intense cold, tolerable with breathing
The Experience
- First 30 seconds: Shock of cold
- 30-90 seconds: Body adapts, becomes tolerable
- Final minute: Counting down, staying focused
- Exit: Immediate warming sensation, energy surge
After Your Session
- Immediate warming and tingling
- Energy boost lasting hours
- No downtime required
- Can resume normal activities
Cryotherapy Protocols
For Recovery
- Frequency: After intense training
- Timing: Within 1-4 hours post-workout
For Wellness
- Frequency: 2-3 times per week
- Consistency: Regular use for cumulative benefits
For Chronic Conditions
- Frequency: Daily or every other day initially
- Duration: 10-20 session protocols
Who Benefits from Cryotherapy?
- Athletes at all levels
- Fitness enthusiasts seeking faster recovery
- Those with chronic pain or inflammation
- People seeking mood enhancement
- Anyone wanting a quick wellness boost
Who Should Avoid Cryotherapy
Consult a doctor if you have:
- Uncontrolled hypertension
- Heart conditions
- Raynaud's disease
- Cold allergies (cold urticaria)
- Pregnancy
- Severe claustrophobia
Finding Cryotherapy in Tampa Bay
Cryotherapy requires specialized equipment, so it's less common than cold plunge, but Tampa Bay has solid options. South Tampa and Westshore have established cryotherapy studios with whole-body chambers. Downtown Tampa offers convenient locations for professionals. Wesley Chapel and New Tampa are seeing growth in recovery-focused facilities. Lutz and Land O' Lakes residents often head to nearby Wesley Chapel or Carrollwood for their sessions.
When choosing a facility, look for:
- Chamber type - Whole-body vs. partial-body
- Temperature capability - Colder is more effective
- Staff training - Proper supervision is essential
- Cleanliness - Well-maintained equipment
- Complementary services - Compression, infrared, etc.
Find cryotherapy in Tampa or browse our cryotherapy directory.
