Cryotherapy is immersing the whole body into a fine nitrogen mist, which is cooled to temperatures of approximately minus 140 degrees. The client stays in the chamber for between 90 and 120 seconds. The process requires the client to wear gloves and slippers, which are provided.
Cryotherapy is more beneficial than ice baths as it requires less time, is far cooler, lasts longer and the cold is far less uncomfortable.
The initial cold startle response elicits a strong sympathetic nervous system reaction. This causes a dramatic parasympathetic rebound. The circulatory system undergoes dramatic peripheral vasoconstriction followed by strong rebound vasodilation. This improves peripheral vascular tone while reducing histamine release due to vascular permeability.
The neuromuscular system responds with a decrease in troponin I, creatine kinase and edema. Positive immune responses include increased white blood cell counts, increased anti-inflammatory cytokines, and reduced pro-inflammatory prostaglandin PGE2. In the endocrine system, WBC triggers an increase in noradrenaline, ß-endorphins, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) concentrations.
Two minutes of skin exposure to WBC temperatures (-130°C to -150°C) stimulates the body to initiate the “fight or flight response.” The body will reactively produce endorphins and redirect oxygenated, nutrient- rich blood to the vital organs to defend against what the body perceives as a threat.
Once out of the cryosauna this oxygenated blood and endorphins are released back to the peripheral tissues, decreasing histamine (inflammation) markers, helping to mend damaged muscles, joints, tendons and ligaments.
Research conducted over the last two decades has established therapeutic efficacy of WBC in a wide range of clinical areas. The largest focus of research has been for pain and fatigue management and extending duration in athletic performance. Many AFL, FIFA, F1, Cycling and players from most sporting codes have been using Cryotherapy as well as long distance runners, such as Mo Farah, and Alberto Salazar at the Nike Oregon Project.
WBC has been shown to effectively improve physical performance and help to speed recovery time.
Additional benefits include burning 2000-3,3000 kilojoules following a single treatment, increased skin tone due to collagen deposition, and a decrease in skin blemishes.
Due to the numerous adaptive physiological responses and decreased levels of inflammation, WBC has also been studied as an adjunct treatment for atopic dermatitis, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder), osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, cardiovascular health, post surgical recovery, and other chronic disorders.