What Does Cryotherapy Do? Benefits, Risks & What to Expect
If you’ve been curious about whole body cryotherapy, you’re probably wondering the same things many first-time clients ask us: What does cryotherapy actually do? Does it hurt? Are there downsides? And what happens during a session?
Whole body cryotherapy uses extremely cold, dry air for a very short period of time. It has become especially popular among athletes, active adults, and people who enjoy incorporating cold exposure into their recovery and wellness routines.
At Kori Kryotherapy in Murrieta, CA, a whole body cryotherapy session takes approximately 3 minutes—making it one of the quickest services you can add to your recovery routine.
What Does Cryotherapy Do for Your Body?
During whole body cryotherapy, your body is briefly exposed to extremely cold air inside a specialized cryotherapy chamber.
The rapid exposure to cold creates a physiological response as your body works to maintain its internal temperature.
People commonly use whole body cryotherapy as part of routines focused on:
- Post-workout recovery
- Temporary muscle soreness
- Muscle stiffness
- Athletic recovery
- General wellness
- Feeling refreshed after intense physical activity
Whole body cryotherapy is different from medical cryotherapy or cryosurgery, where healthcare providers use extreme cold to freeze and destroy abnormal tissue. When you visit a wellness or recovery center for whole body cryotherapy, you are receiving a completely different type of service.
Does Cryotherapy Hurt?
This might be our favorite question because the answer is:
It’s definitely cold—but it shouldn’t be painful.
Most people notice the intensity of the cold almost immediately. You may experience sensations such as:
- Tingling
- Prickly skin
- Temporary numbness
- Intense cold
- The sudden urge to ask, “How much longer?” 😄
Fortunately, the session is short.
At Kori Kryotherapy, you're only in the chamber for approximately 3 minutes.
You are also monitored throughout your session.
If you experience actual pain, burning, significant numbness, dizziness, or anything that feels abnormal, you should communicate that immediately rather than trying to “tough it out.”
What Happens During a Cryotherapy Session?
If you've never tried cryotherapy, knowing what to expect can make that first session much less intimidating.
Before Your Session
You'll prepare for the chamber and wear the appropriate protective items.
Because you're entering an extremely cold environment, you'll also need to make sure your skin is dry before your session.
We'll explain the process before you enter so you know exactly what to expect.
During Your Session
You'll enter the whole body cryotherapy chamber for approximately 3 minutes.
Yes.
Three minutes.
It feels cold, but the session moves quickly.
Unlike a cold plunge, you're being exposed to cold air rather than sitting in cold water, so you won't come out soaking wet.
After Your Session
Once your session ends, you're finished.
There's no lengthy recovery period from simply completing the wellness session, so one of the reasons people enjoy cryotherapy is how easily it can fit into a busy day.
Some clients also combine cryotherapy with another recovery service during the same visit.
What Are the Negatives of Cryotherapy?
Cold exposure isn't appropriate for everyone, and it's important to talk about that just as openly as we talk about why people enjoy cryotherapy.
Potential problems with excessive or inappropriate cold exposure can include skin irritation, numbness, cold-related skin injury, and other reactions.
The FDA notes that the healing benefits claimed for whole body cryotherapy remain unconfirmed and that whole body cryotherapy carries its own set of risks.
This is why cryotherapy should be performed with appropriate screening, preparation, protective equipment, and supervision.
Certain health conditions can also make extreme cold exposure inappropriate. If you have a medical condition or aren't sure whether cryotherapy is appropriate for you, talk with your healthcare provider before beginning cold therapy.
Cryotherapy vs. Cold Plunge: Are They the Same?
No.
Both involve cold exposure, but they are very different experiences.
Whole Body Cryotherapy:
Uses extremely cold air for a short period of time.
Cold Plunge:
Uses cold water immersion for a longer period.
Some people strongly prefer one. Others use both as part of their recovery routine.
We actually wrote an entire guide comparing the two because this is another question we hear constantly.
Read: Cryotherapy vs. Cold Plunge: What's the Difference?
That internal link is also useful for helping Google understand the relationship between your cryotherapy and cold plunge content.
Is Cryotherapy Just for Athletes?
Definitely not.
Athletes helped make cryotherapy popular, but you don't have to play a sport to enjoy cold therapy.
Our clients may spend their week:
- Training in the gym
- Playing competitive sports
- Sitting behind a desk
- Working on their feet
- Running around after their kids
- Or simply looking for another way to prioritize recovery
Your body doesn't have to belong to a professional athlete before you're allowed to take recovery seriously.
Try Whole Body Cryotherapy in Murrieta, CA
Still wondering what cryotherapy feels like?
Sometimes the easiest way to understand cold therapy is to experience it.
At Kori Kryotherapy in Murrieta, California, whole body cryotherapy takes approximately 3 minutes, making it easy to fit recovery into even a busy schedule.
Whether you're an athlete, regularly work out, deal with everyday muscle tightness, or you're simply curious about cold therapy, we're here to help you understand what to expect before your first session.
Ready to experience the cold?
Book your Whole Body Cryotherapy session at Kori Kryotherapy.
