1. Remove. During a 2-3 minute  cryotherapy session, blood vessels in your skin’s surface and muscle  tissue constrict, forcing blood away from your peripheral tissues and  toward your core. Inside your core, your body’s natural filtration  system works to remove toxins and inflammatory properties in your blood.  These toxins and inflammatory properties are what typically makes you  feel sore. Removing them from the  tissue means you’re less likely to  feel soreness, no matter how intense your day or your workout is. 

The Name  

Cryo comes from the Greek word cryo, or (κρύο), and means cold. Cryotherapy refers to any form of treatment that relies on the application of cold temperatures. Whole Body Cryotherapy (WBC) is most commonly utilized in the field of sports medicine as a mode of muscle recovery and pain relief. However, it has recently gained notoriety for its use in the treatment of eczema, depression, and anxiety, and even in the prevention of symptoms of multiple sclerosis. The focus of this article will be on the benefits and limitations of entering the extremely cold environment of the cryo chamber.

What Is Whole Body Cryotherapy?

Whole Body Cryotherapy (WBC) involves immersing the body in a cold chamber, which emits vapors that reach extremely low temperatures ranging from -110℃ to -160 ℃ (around -160℉ to -220℉). This is usually done for an interval of 2 to 4 minutes [R, R].

When in the cryogenic chamber, individuals are undressed with the exception of underwear, socks, and gloves to protect the extremities [R].

What Is a Cryochamber?

The cryo chamber is an individual, tube-shaped enclosure that covers a person’s body with an open top to keep the head at room temperature. The frigid environment is generated by the emission of cool air, but some cryogenic chambers generate these temperatures by forced convection, which involves pumping the cool air from an external circuit [R, R].

Mechanism of Action

The fundamental change in the body caused by whole body cryotherapy is the reduction of tissue temperature [R].

The change in tissue temperature also causes a reduction in core body temperature. This sensory shock leads to an activation of the autonomic, or unconscious, nervous system. This is characterized by rising norepinephrine levels, increased blood pressure, and heart rate variability [R, R].  When the body is exposed to extreme cooling, the blood vessels are constricted and reduce blood flow to the areas of inflammation. Once outside of the cryogenic chamber, the vessels expand, and an increased presence of anti-inflammatory proteins (IL-10) are found in the blood [R, R].  In a randomized crossover study, 11 athletes performed better on a protocol test before and after a run. The improvement was supported by lower heart rates, oxygen consumption, and rates of perceived exertion. This recovery is presumed to be a result of more oxygen for the working muscles and less strain on the heart and veins [R].  A within-subject control study showed that ankle-localized cryotherapy in 23 participants leads to slower conduction of nerve signals in the treatment site. It can also lead to improvements in pain threshold and tolerance [R].  Two literature reviews on whole body cryotherapy support these claims that the induced cold body temperatures can help reduce pain, inflammation, and improve recovery [R, R].