Whole-body cold exposure
Cryotherapy: what it does, what to expect & where to try it
Whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) involves standing inside a cryotherapy chamber for two to four minutes while the surrounding air is cooled to between -200°F and -300°F (-130°C to -185°C) using liquid nitrogen or refrigerated cold air. Unlike a cold plunge, skin never contacts liquid — cold air surrounds the body, triggering an intense but brief cold-shock response while the head and neck remain above the chamber opening.
Whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) involves standing inside a cryotherapy chamber for two to four minutes while the surrounding air is cooled to between -200°F and -300°F (-130°C to -185°C) using liquid nitrogen or refrigerated cold air. Unlike a cold plunge, skin never contacts liquid — cold air surrounds the body, triggering an intense but brief cold-shock response while the head and neck remain above the chamber opening. Sessions are supervised by trained technicians. Cryotherapy has been used in clinical settings for decades, particularly in Europe, before entering the US wellness market in the 2010s. Studios offering WBC often pair it with localized cryo treatments, compression therapy, or red light therapy in multi-modal recovery packages. Athletes, chronic pain sufferers, and people seeking rapid anti-inflammatory benefits are the primary users. Because sessions are extremely short, cryotherapy is popular with busy individuals who want a fast recovery intervention without the extended time commitment of a sauna or float session.
How cryotherapy works
Extreme cold air causes rapid vasoconstriction of surface blood vessels, which the body interprets as a survival threat — triggering release of norepinephrine and other stress hormones. After exiting the chamber, the body aggressively rewarms, producing a vasodilation rebound that may help flush inflammatory metabolites from tissues. Research suggests WBC can reduce markers of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) after intense exercise. Unlike cold-water immersion, cryotherapy does not significantly reduce core body temperature during the brief session.
Typical cost: $50–$100 per session.
Is cryotherapy right for you?
A quick, goal-based fit guide — who tends to get the most from cryotherapy, and when it's worth a word with a professional first. This is wellness guidance, not medical advice.
Often a great fit if…
Cryotherapy is popular with competitive athletes, active individuals managing post-workout inflammation or chronic joint pain, and people seeking fast-acting wellness interventions. It's also sought by those interested in systemic anti-inflammatory effects and skin-firming applications.
Worth a quick check first if…
People with cold urticaria, Raynaud's disease, cardiovascular disease, or uncontrolled hypertension should not use cryotherapy without medical clearance. Pregnancy is generally considered a contraindication — consult a clinician before booking.
What a first session feels like
Sessions last two to four minutes — the shortest of any major recovery modality. The dry cold air is typically more tolerable than cold-water immersion of equivalent temperature. You'll wear protective gear (gloves, socks, minimal clothing) provided by the studio. Immediately after, most people feel a warm rush as blood returns to the extremities, followed by heightened energy and alertness lasting several hours.
Studios offering cryotherapy
239 verified studios across 133 cities.
Innovative Health Seattle
4 modalitiesSeattle, WA
4.8· 131 reviews
Pause South Bay
6 modalitiesEl Segundo, CA
4.9· 194 reviews
Biohackr Health
6 modalitiesSan Francisco, CA
4.9· 51 reviews
Pause Studio - Long Beach
8 modalitiesLong Beach, CA
5.0· 100 reviews
Restore Hyper Wellness - Lake Nona
6 modalitiesOrlando, FL
4.9· 233 reviews
Equipment & brands for Cryotherapy
The equipment brands that power cryotherapy at studios in our directory.
US Cryotherapy
Electric whole-body cryotherapy
US Cryotherapy manufactures electric whole-body cryotherapy chambers for commercial wellness studios, medical spas, and fitness facilities in the United States. The company's electric systems operate without liquid nitrogen, which reduces the permitting complexity and safety considerations associated with nitrogen-based cryotherapy equipment. US Cryotherapy sells to new studio operators and existing facilities adding cryotherapy as a service, providing equipment alongside operator support and training resources. The brand is one of several US-based electric cryotherapy manufacturers competing in the commercial studio equipment market.
CryoScience
Cryotherapy chambers
**What they sell.** CryoScience is the global cryotherapy-equipment manufacturer behind the °CRYO-branded electric whole-body chambers (°CRYO Arctic / Arctic Performance) and the KAASEN handheld localized-cryo device (see KAASEN record). Full studio fit-out: chambers, localized devices, branding, and operator support. **Positioning.** The premium global cryo platform — a branded consumer experience plus a multi-device ecosystem (whole-body + localized + aesthetics). This cryo.com record IS the "°CRYO" brand referenced in the equipment-vendor brief. Differentiates on brand, breadth, and international install base versus single-product chamber makers. Source: cryo.com, accessed 2026-06-29.
Impact Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy chambers
**What they sell.** Impact Cryotherapy (Atlanta, GA) manufactures electrically-cooled, nitrogen-free whole-body cryosaunas and walk-in chambers for wellness, spa, and athletic markets. **Positioning.** Sells on electric safety (no liquid nitrogen) plus turnkey business support — financing, training, and marketing help for operators standing up a cryo offering. Competes with CryoBuilt and US Cryotherapy in the electric whole-body category. Source: impactcryotherapy.com, accessed 2026-06-29.
KAASEN
Localized cryotherapy devices
**What they sell.** KAASEN is the handheld localized-cryotherapy device built by CryoScience (the °CRYO / cryo.com equipment family). A portable gun-style applicator blasts targeted cold air (roughly -30°C at the nozzle) onto a specific body area, with additional modes for cryo-facials, body contouring/slimming, and electroporation-style transdermal serum delivery ("cryo + electroporation" aesthetics protocols). **Positioning.** Sold as the upsell/add-on device for spas, recovery studios, med-spas, and physiotherapy clinics that already run whole-body cryo or want a lower-capex entry into cold therapy. Pitch is versatility (recovery + aesthetics on one device) and fast, low-prep treatments versus a full chamber. Part of the same CryoScience catalog as the °CRYO electric whole-body chambers (see CryoScience / cryo.com record). Channel-partner data for the Praxium equipment-vendor catalog. Source: cryo.com (KAASEN product line, CryoScience), accessed 2026-06-29.
CryoBuilt
Whole-body cryotherapy chambers
Shop cryotherapy equipment
Real cryotherapy products from the brands studios run — and biohackers buy for home.
CryotherapyCryoBuilt
Nordic
Nordic is CryoBuilt's largest electric cryotherapy chamber, designed for multi-user capacity and sustained ultra-low-temperature performance in high-volume professional environments.
CryotherapyUS Cryotherapy
C1 Target Localized Device
The C1 Target is a portable localized cold-air device for targeted treatment in home, sideline and training-room settings.
CryotherapyCryoBuilt
Everest
Everest is a fully electric cryotherapy chamber built for high-throughput facilities, supporting multi-user sessions while sustaining ultra-low temperatures during continuous operation.
CryotherapyCryoBuilt
Chillybox
Chillybox is a plug-and-play, fully electric whole-body cryotherapy chamber designed for private residences and boutique wellness settings.
CryotherapyCryoBuilt
Polaris
Polaris is a self-contained electric whole-body cryotherapy chamber engineered for single-user sessions in professional settings.
CryotherapyCryoScience
°CRYO Arctic
The °CRYO Arctic is a nitrogen-cooled whole-body cryotherapy chamber for professional use, delivering controlled cold exposure across a 3-minute session.
Frequently asked questions
Is cryotherapy better than a cold plunge?
Both trigger cold-shock responses but through different mechanisms. Cold plunge cools core body temperature; cryotherapy does not. Cold plunge sessions are longer (2–15 min) and many find them more challenging. Cryotherapy is faster (2–4 min) and involves dry air. Neither has been proven definitively superior — the best choice depends on personal preference and goals.
How long is a cryotherapy session?
The chamber portion lasts two to four minutes. With check-in, prep, and cooldown, budget 15–20 minutes for a full appointment.
How much does cryotherapy cost?
Drop-in sessions typically run $50–$100. Many studios offer package deals where five sessions cost $200–$400, meaningfully reducing the per-session price.
How many sessions are needed to see results?
Some people report reduced soreness after a single session. For ongoing anti-inflammatory or recovery benefits, practitioners often suggest at least three to five sessions before assessing impact.
Is whole-body cryotherapy safe?
WBC is generally considered safe for healthy adults when administered by trained technicians. Serious adverse events are rare. Risks include frostbite from improper equipment use and hypotension-related fainting — both preventable with proper protocols and supervision.
Keep exploring cryotherapy
How it compares
Protocols that use it
For studio operators
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