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Frequently Asked Questions

Cryotherapy is a treatment that uses extreme cold to help the body heal, reduce pain, and support recovery. It can involve either the whole body (whole-body cryotherapy, WBC) or just a specific area, exposed to sub-zero temperatures for a short time. The term comes from Greek: cryo means “cold” and therapy means “treatment.”

Whole-body cryotherapy is done in a specialised chamber, where a person spends a few minutes in carefully controlled sub-zero temperatures. Local cryotherapy focuses on a specific area using a wand that blows sub-zero cold air onto the skin.

During cryotherapy sessions, it is recommended that you wear minimal clothing to allow for better exposure to the cold temperatures. All jewellery should be removed where possible before treatment or before entering the chamber. If any jewellery can’t be removed, it must be covered.

Men: Sports shorts are ideal; a loose-fitting top is optional.

Women: Swimsuits, sports shorts, or leggings with a non-wired sports bra work best; a loose-fitting top may be added if desired.

All clothing must be completely dry and free from metal (e.g., no underwired bras, zips).

Additionally, here are some compulsory items provided by CryoLabs:

  • A hat or headband
  • A face mask (Optional)
  • Gloves
  • Knee-length socks
  • Slippers

The frequency of whole-body cryotherapy depends on your therapeutic goals, underlying health conditions, and individual physiological response. An initial course of three sessions over a short period is often recommended to allow the body to adapt and establish new habits. Following this introductory phase, two to three sessions per week are typically sufficient, although the individual’s optimum schedule should be adapted to their specific needs and desired outcomes.

 

After cryotherapy, your body responds to the extreme cold in several ways:

  1. Blood vessel changes: Exposure to cold causes blood vessels near the skin to constrict, and then dilate once you warm up, which can improve blood circulation.

  2. Reduced inflammation: The cold helps decrease inflammation in muscles and joints, which can reduce pain and swelling.

  3. Pain relief: Nerve signals slow down in response to cold, which can help reduce pain.

  4. Hormonal and metabolic effects: Cryotherapy may trigger the release of endorphins and activate the body’s stress response, helping with mood and recovery.

  5. Muscle recovery: Many athletes report feeling less muscle soreness and faster recovery after sessions.

These effects are generally short-term, but regular sessions may contribute to improved recovery, reduced inflammation, and enhanced well-being.

At CryoLabs, the minimum age for whole-body cryotherapy is 18 years, and 16 years for localised treatment. Individuals under these ages may be able to undergo treatment with parental consent and/or approval from their GP. The final decision rests at the discretion of CryoLabs.

 

A standard whole-body cryotherapy session lasts for 3.5 minutes. The treatment begins with the user spending about 30 seconds in a pre-chamber set at temperatures ranging from -50°C to -60°C for acclimatisation. The remaining time is then spent in the main chamber, where the temperature drops to between -120°C and -130°C.

For localised treatments, the duration varies depending on the body part, but sessions usually last between 5 and 10 minutes.

When performed correctly, cryotherapy is painless, and there is no reason for it not to be. However, it is important to adhere to the recommended treatment times to avoid potential issues such as frostbite or freezer burn. Our whole-body cryotherapy chambers are equipped with alarms that signal the end of a session, ensuring both users and operators are aware when the appropriate time is nearing completion.

Localised cryotherapy is also painless, but treatment times vary depending on the area being treated. Following the recommended duration helps ensure safety and effectiveness

When performed correctly, cryotherapy is generally safe. Whole-body and localised treatments are brief and monitored to prevent risks such as frostbite or freezer burn. However, it may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions, including uncontrolled heart problems, severe hypertension, or cold-related disorders.

It is important to follow recommended session times and seek advice from a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.

 

It depends on the condition. Cryotherapy may not be suitable for individuals with certain health issues, such as uncontrolled heart problems, severe hypertension, respiratory conditions, or cold-related disorders.

If you have an underlying health condition, you should consult your GP or healthcare professional before undergoing cryotherapy. At CryoLabs, we can also provide guidance and advise whether treatment is appropriate for you.

The effects of cryotherapy can vary depending on the individual, the condition being treated, and the frequency of sessions. Many people notice immediate benefits such as reduced inflammation, pain relief, and faster recovery, which can last from several hours up to a couple of days.

Even short-term relief can make a significant difference in recovery, performance, or managing discomfort. Regular sessions can help sustain these benefits over time, and responses can vary from person to person, so it’s important to monitor how your body reacts and adjust your cryotherapy plan accordingly.

Yes! If at any time you wish, or feel the need, to end your treatment session before the allocated time—whether because the cold feels too intense, your skin is uncomfortable, or for any other reason—you should immediately open the door of the main chamber, step into the pre-chamber, and then open the pre-chamber door to exit the facility safely.

Following a cryotherapy session, your skin temperature typically drops by approximately 6°C, while your core temperature remains largely unaffected. It usually takes just a few minutes for your skin to return to normal.

We recommend taking a brief recovery period—either by sitting or walking around our gym area—before resuming normal activities. After this, you are free to continue with your day. However, we suggest waiting a couple of hours before taking a hot bath, shower, sauna, or similar activities.

We generally recommend avoiding hot showers, baths, saunas, or similar heat sources for a couple of hours to allow the body to warm up gradually rather than experiencing a sudden temperature change. While this will not cause harm, letting the body warm naturally tends to yield better results. Many sports teams incorporate cryotherapy either before or after training sessions, so exercising after cryotherapy is perfectly safe.

Cryotherapy is designed to benefit your skin rather than harm it, provided you adhere to operational guidelines and follow the recommended chamber times.

By exposing the skin to extreme cold, cryotherapy creates a controlled stress that can stimulate the production of collagen after you exit the chamber. This collagen boost may be particularly beneficial for skin conditions such as eczema.

However, exceeding the recommended treatment times can potentially cause issues such as freezer burn. To ensure the safety and effectiveness of cryotherapy for your skin, it is essential to follow the prescribed session durations.

Pregnant women are generally advised to avoid whole-body cryotherapy treatments. However, depending on the area being treated, localised cryotherapy may be considered safe. It is essential to consult your doctor before undergoing any cryotherapy during pregnancy to ensure the well-being of both you and your baby.

Exposure to extremely cold temperatures during cryotherapy stimulates the body’s metabolism as it works to generate heat and maintain core temperature. This increased metabolic activity can lead to calorie burn, although the exact amount will vary between individuals.
Cryotherapy’s skin-tightening and collagen-boosting effects contribute to improved overall skin quality and firmness, which may help reduce the appearance of cellulite.

It is generally not recommended to undergo cryotherapy immediately after getting a tattoo. The extreme cold could irritate the fresh tattoo, affect healing, or increase the risk of skin damage.

It is best to wait until your tattoo has fully healed—usually a few weeks—before having cryotherapy. If you are unsure, consult your tattoo artist or a healthcare professional for guidance.

No, you should remove makeup before a whole-body cryotherapy session, as it can hinder the treatment’s effectiveness and may cause skin irritation due to the cold. Makeup creates a barrier on the skin, preventing the cold air from fully reaching it. For best results, it is recommended to have your skin free of products to ensure you receive the full benefits of the treatment.