Scottsdale °CRYO at The SHAW Center

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CRYOTHERAPY?

There are numerous benefits to Whole-body and local Cryotherapy treatments. For athletes and those in training (marathons, triathlons, etc…), Whole Body and Localized Cryotherapy are used to help relieve chronic pain, decrease inflammation, speed recovery time, increase athletic performance, and reduce delayed onset muscle soreness. Whole Body Cryotherapy treatments are beneficial for everyday health, wellness, and beauty benefits. Since the outer layer of skin is lowered, capillaries and blood vessels undergo vasoconstriction, immediately followed by vasodilation. This causes the body to release toxins and feel good endorphins. The skins exposure to extreme cold also causes the body to increase its metabolic rate, burning between 200 – 600 calories. Some additional benefits include: pain relief from chronic medical conditions, increased circulation throughout your body, treatment of mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. This cutting edge treatment assists with clearing of skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and acne, reduction in the appearance of cellulite, and tighter, more youthful looking skin.

WHAT DO I WEAR?

The Cryo-Zone provides every client with a robe, socks, slippers and gloves that are used to protect your extremities during the treatment. Men are required to wear boxers or underwear. All clients must remove all jewelry and exterior metal/body piercings. Additionally, it is recommended that you pat yourself dry with a towel and do not apply oils, lotions, or cologne immediately prior to treatment.

HOW DOES CRYOTHERAPY WORK?

The Whole-body Cryosauna uses a gaseous form of nitrogen to lower skin surface temperature by 30-50 degrees during a two-three minute session. The exposed skin reacts to the extreme temperatures by sending messages to the brain that stimulate natural regulatory functions of the body. In addition, the skin’s exposure to these subzero temperatures trigger the release of anti-inflammatory molecules, endorphins, toxins, and increases oxygen circulation within the bloodstream.

HOW COLD DOES IT GET?

The Cryosauna reaches temperatures as low as -220° C, lowering the clients skin surface temperature by 30-50 degrees.

WHO SHOULDN’T DO WHOLE BODY CRYOTHERAPY?

The following conditions are contraindications to Whole Body Cryotherapy: Pregnancy, severe Hypertension (BP> 180/100), acute or recent myocardial infarction, unstable angina pectoris, arrhythmia, symptomatic cardiovascular disease, cardiac pacemaker, peripheral arterial occlusive disease, venous thrombosis, acute or recent cerebrovascular accident, uncontrolled seizures, severe Raynaud’s Syndrome, fever, tumor disease, symptomatic lung disorders, bleeding disorders, severe anemia, infection, cold-allergy, severe claustrophobia, acute kidney and urinary tract diseases. Children under 18 must have parental consent and have a parent present during treatment.

HOW DOES WHOLE BODY CRYOTHERAPY COMPARE TO AN ICE BATH?

Whole Body Cryotherapy treatments result in a very different response from the body compared to traditional ice baths. Three minutes in the Cryosauna, which is a cold, dry nitrogen vapor, is equivalent to 20-30 minutes in an ice bath without the uncomfortable feeling of submerging in ice cold water. The nitrogen vapor chills the top skin layers and cold receptors lowering the outer body’s temp 30-50 degrees. This causes the brain to restrict blood flow to your extremities, which is the bodies natural fight-or-flight response to extreme cold. The body reacts to the Whole Body Cryotherapy treatment by releasing anti-inflammatory proteins and endorphins resulting in super-charged blood. Fifteen minutes in an ice bath of cold water initially causes the body to move blood to the extremities and results in a lowering of the body’s core temperature. Ice baths do no supercharge the blood like Cryotherapy.

IS NITROGEN GAS DANGEROUS?

No, nitrogen is a friendly, non-toxic gas. Nitrogen composes 78% of the air that we breathe. The other components are 16% Oxygen, 1% Hydrogen and 5% other gases. Nitrogen is as common and safe as Oxygen.

IS CRYOTHERAPY COMFORTABLE?

Yes.  Cryotherapy involves dry, hyper-cooled air flowing over the skin surface, so the process never freezes skin tissues, muscles or organs. The result is only a “feeling” of being cold. The body is being tricked into believing that this extreme cold is life threatening. Cryotherapy is a dry cold with no moisture and tolerable even to those who consider themselves cold intolerant.   Towards the end of the treatment, you may get a “pins and needles” sensation like it is falling asleep which will dissipate after the treatment.

WHAT IF I AM OFTEN COLD OR GET COLD EASILY?

Since the cold from Whole Body Cryotherapy only penetrates the surface of the skin, you will experience a chill to the outer surface of your body. Your vital organs, muscles and tissues will all remain at their normal body temperature. Cryotherapy improves circulation throughout the body and stimulates production of brown fat, so your future ability to tolerate cold should improve.

HOW DO I FEEL AFTER A SESSION?

Whole Body Cryotherapy stimulates the body to release endorphins, the hormones that make us feel alert and energetic. The energized effects from each session typically last six to eight hours post treatment. The more treatments you do in close succession, the longer the endorphin high lasts. Many clients also report improvements in their sleep quality after Cryotherapy. Muscle aches and stiff joints also feel a sense of relief.

I AM CLAUSTROPHOBIC. CAN I USE WHOLE BODY CRYOTHERAPY?

Yes.  Your entire head remains exposed to the room and above the Cryosauna. The door cannot lock and the staff member is there through the entire process until the session has ended.

DO I HAVE TO TAKE A SHOWER BEFORE OR AFTER A SESSION?

Showering is not necessary before or after cryotherapy. The entire procedure is dry and does not make your skin wet.  Many clients come by during their lunch break since the entire treatment is only 3 minutes long.

HOW OFTEN CAN I DO WHOLE BODY CRYOTHERAPY?

Whole body cryotherapy can be be performed from once a week to daily.  It depends on what you are trying to achieve.  Our staff will explore your needs an suggest a Cryo-Zone plan that’s right for you.

WHO SHOULD USE WHOLE BODY CRYOTHERAPY?

Whole Body Cryotherapy is ideal for athletes seeking muscle recovery, people with chronic pain and inflammatory conditions, and those seeking weight loss and skin rejuvenation. Cryotherapy is used post-surgically to accelerate the healing process and reduce pain without the side effects of pain medications and anti-inflammatory drugs. Younger clients under the age of 18, can use Whole Body Cryotherapy with parent’s consent.

IS EXERCISE RECOMMENDED AFTER THE CRYOTHERAPY SESSION?

Yes, an advantage of cryotherapy over ice therapy is that tissues and muscle are not frozen. Ten minutes of light exercise post cryotherapy will induce more rapid vasodilation of the blood vessels and capillaries and extend the period of analgesia. It is also ideal post-workout to speed athletic recovery and ease sore muscles.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF WHOLE BODY CRYOTHERAPY?

Cryotherapy is very well tolerated and has minimal risks. Systolic blood pressure during the procedure can increase by 10 points but will reverse after the procedure as peripheral circulation returns to normal. Allergic reactions to extreme cold (chilblain), claustrophobia, anxiety are rare. Activation of some viral conditions (cold sores, etc.) due to stimulation of the immune system can occur.  Protective clothing (socks, gloves, undergarments) must be dry in order to avoid frost burn