7CryoHealth

Cryotherapy Treatment FAQ

Where did Cryotherapy come from?

Cryotherapy was discovered by a Japanese medical doctor, in 1978. during his search for a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis he found that by using a rapid decrease in temperature on the outer layer of the skin, that this lead to an immediate release of endorphins, and a reduction in pain sensitivity for his patients.

The Cryotherapy we offer today is a very different process and has developed into a very sophisticated system, Cryotherapy is recognised as one of the earliest and most primitive cures, with many supporting books and articles being written during the early part of the 19th Century.

Equally fascinating and important to acknowledge is that Cryotherapy or ‘Cold Cure', its original Greek name, has in fact been in existence, in some shape of form, since 2500BC with Ancient Egypt, the Roman Empire and Greece embracing the use of extremely low temperatures on the body, to help reduce pain, inflammation, and promote internal recovery.

Who will benefit from the use of Cryotherapy?

Anyone can benefit from Cryotherapy treatments. Our treatments are not exclusively for athletes or active sport enthusiasts, although it is widely used in athletics and training, for pain relief and longer term pain management, with significant and positive results.

Cryotherapy is used to enhance and maintain general wellness and for providing pain relief for long term medical conditions including: osteoarthritis, rheumatism and fibromyalgia, and of course post-surgical recovery.

Beauty and weight loss can also be supported through a series of non-invasive, localised treatments.

Research has proved that Cryotherapy can aid recovery from physical exertion, whoever you are, and that includes athletes and celebrities alike.

As is the case with all therapeutic services , there are some medical conditions where we would advise against using Cryotherapy for example pregnancy, but the team is here to help and answer any such questions you may have.

We have a robust process of medical pre-screening before any sessions a client may take and this is a prerequisite of treatment.

Can cryotherapy really help me recover from an injury?

Yes it can! Cryotherapy creates a series of events in the body that causes a cascade of neurological, endocrine and immune regulatory functions around the body.

This encourages an increase in white blood cell counts, which leads to an anti-inflammatory response, reductions in muscle oedema, and enhanced waste transportation as well as possible desirable effects on immune function.

The use of cold sensations can also block the feeling of pain reaching the brain relieving pain from injuries and allowing increased mobility and movement. Venturing into our Cryotherapy Chamber will help to encourage, cell renewal, muscle repair and reduce excess inflammation helping you to recover faster, getting you back into action sooner .

Do professional athletes use Cryotherapy?

100% – huge numbers of sporting professional rely on Cryotherapy as a form of post activity recovery. Not only does it increase blood circulation, but promotes increased strength and energy, and heightens motion, mobility and flexibility. It can help to improve muscular fatigue and even promotes improved concentration as the brain receives more oxygen. With such extreme temperatures, the body works to create a balance and with increased blood flow; the immune system is boosted naturally, and healing improved.

Does it hurt, how does it feel?

Absolutely not, Cryotherapy doesn't hurt. Whole body cryotherapy is both extraordinary and exhilarating all rolled into one.

Yes, the Cryotherapy Chamber is cold, but it's a dry cold, so it isn't as intense and you might first envisage.

It's invigorating and energising. Even if you normally feel the cold, this will feel very, very different. It certainly doesn't have that cutting feeling like freezing water or an ice bath.

If for any reason you feel uncomfortable, you can stop your treatment at any time or temperatures can be reduced if the intensity is too much for you, we can the build up slowly in subsequent treatments.

How long will I go into the chamber for?

During your first session in the 7CryoHealth chamber we can manage the temperature from -100°C to an absolute low of -140°C dependant on your experience and comfort and gradually lower this during your follow up appointments. All of our sessions last for 3 minutes, this is the optimum time for the best results but only under the direct guidance and supervision of your therapist.

How many treatments will I need?

This will very much be dependent on your individual needs and / or the severity of any presenting conditions. We find that many clients experience increased vitality, improved sleep and a decrease in muscle pain after only one treatment. The initial benefits of a Cryotherapy treatment, generally last between 4 - 6 hours.

If you are a sufferer of chronic pain we initially suggest our clients take 6 - 10 sessions in reasonably close succession (every 2 – 3 days). Your designated therapist will monitor your progress and you can manage your ongoing schedule together.

During your initial consultation, you and your therapist and will agree on a treatment plan, this would usually consist of a 6-10 session ‘blast' in short succession followed by top up sessions weekly or more regularly as required.

Can I wear jewellery in the chamber?

With the exception of earrings and rings, which will be outside of the chamber or suitably covered, you will be asked to remove all mental objects. We will provide a safe location for your personal items during your session.

Is it safe?

Absolutely, Cryotherapy is safe. Protective gloves and slippers will be provided for you. Additionally we ask women to wear shorts and a vest top and men shorts as well as bring a facemask.

The head is left exposed to allow for continued communication with your designated therapist. Sessions can be stopped at any time.

Do I need a shower before Whole Body Cryotherapy?

No, its not necessary to have shower before entering the Cryotherapy Chamber. However its essential that we ensure that your fully dry before entering the machine, as such if you have been exercising/sweating/wet before hand we will insist you fully towel dry before your session can commence.

What shall I wear?

Given the current situation with the COVD19 Pandemic we ask all male clients to bring shorts or swimming trunks, thick socks and a mask. Ladies can either wear underwear, shorts & crop top or a swimming costume – whatever you feel comfortable in.

We suggest bringing a dressing gown or similar to move between our changing facilities and the chamber, this can the be removed in privacy and passed to your therapist once you are inside the chamber just prior to your treatment.

Our 7CryoHealth team will provide you with slippers and gloves for use in the chamber.

Can people with Claustrophobia still have Cryotherapy treatments?

Yes. The clients head remains exposed to ambient air in the room and they are able to communicate with their therapist throughout their session as well as anyone else the client may like in attendance. The client's head will remain above the top rim at all times. The cabin door closes only with the help of magnets, therefore it cannot lock and a staff member is present throughout the entire process to watch over the client.

Can I exercise before or after cryotherapy?

Yes, absolutely. There is nothing to stop you exercising before or after Cryotherapy. There are definite benefits to using Cryotherapy before engaging in exercise as it may increase your pain threshold and muscle viscosity, enabling you to undertake a more intensive exercise regimen.

Additionally, with the increase in endorphins and adrenaline, you will likely experience and increase in energy levels before your work out.

The use of Cryotherapy, post training / exercise, will likely leave you feeling incredibly energised. Many athletes / sport enthusiasts use Cryotherapy to assist in the management of muscle soreness or injury immediately after sports and exercise and to speed up recovery.

As mentioned above there are set requirements when conducting sessions after exercise and its essential that we ensure that your fully dry before entering the machine, as such if you have been sweating before hand we will insist a short cooling off period followed by you fully towel drying before your session can commence.

What will I feel and expect after my session?

Everyone's experience is slightly different, but the overriding feedback is that clients are left ‘feeling a rush of adrenaline', ‘feeling motivated', ‘feeling energised', ‘having heightened senses' and ‘feelings of excitement'. These feelings usually last for 4 - 6 hours following each treatment. As with many thing our experiences are very personal and we are always keen to hear our clients feedback with many reporting a better night sleep after just one treatment.

Who shouldnt not use WBC?

The following conditions are contraindications to whole body cryotherapy:

Cold intolerance/Raynaud’s Disease, Cryoglobulinemia, Cryofibrinogenemia, Cold Urticaria, Open wounds and/or ulcers, Gangrenous Lesions, Thromboembolic changes and inflammation in venous system, Agammaglobulinemia, Hypothyroidism, Local blood flow disturbances, Current cancer/tumour sufferer, Acute respiratory or lung diseases of various origin, Severe Anaemia, Pregnancy after the 4th month, Under the influence of drugs, especially antipsychotics and alcohol or Metal pins or plates recently installed with healing wounds. If you have any other conditions that may be affected, ensure you check with a medical professional or your Doctor/GP.

Clients should always check with their medical providers regarding their particular medical status.