Cryotherapy Normatec Float Therapy & Body Contouring

What is whole body cryotherapy?

There are two types of cryotherapies: localized and whole-body. With localized cryotherapy, a specific part of the body is targeted and treated with cold temperatures, and with whole-body cryotherapy, as the name suggests, the entire body is exposed to freezing conditions. At Cryofloat360 we offer both treatments.

Whole body cryotherapy (a.k.a. Cryo, some people even call it body freezing therapy) is the exposure of an individual to extremely low temperatures (-170 C or -274 F) for 3 minutes to decrease pain and inflammation and boost hormone and neurotransmitter levels. The result is decreased recovery time and pain from intense workouts, injuries, and chronic conditions, increased energy levels, anti-ageing and mood boosting effects.

How and why was whole body cryotherapy developed?
Cryotherapy machines were originally developed in the 1970s to help people that suffered from rheumatoid arthritis. When dramatic improvements were seen in patients (decreased swelling, decreased pain, increased mobility) researchers began to look at whole body cryotherapy as a treatment modality for other disease such as rheumatism, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis, and other musculoskeletal disorder and auto immune disease. Eventually athletes discovered cryotherapy’s benefits and it has now become widely adopted.

What are the benefits of cryotherapy?

Many benefits have been attributed to cryotherapy. Some of the most notable benefits include:

• Reduced Inflammation
• Relief for muscle pain and soreness
• Improved sleep
• Increased metabolism and weigh loss
• Mood enhancement
• Reduced anxiety and depression

And those are just some of the benefits. Scientific research and clinical studies examining the effects and benefits that are associated with cold therapy are developing more and more each day.

What do I need to prepare for cryo?

You don’t need to do much to prepare for your cryotherapy session; but you will want to make sure your body is free of any oils, lotions, or cologne prior to treatment. You also want to make sure that your body is free of any sweat (dry towel will be provided upon request). This is very important as it will eliminate the chance of frostbite.

What do I wear in the cryo?
Because of the very low temperatures, no metal jewelry or piercing below the neck are allowed on you while in the Juka. If you cannot remove certain jewelry or piercings, they can be covered with a cotton ball and band-aid that we can provided.

When you enter the changing area we will provide you with Socks, Gloves, a Turkish Cryo Robe and Cryo Crocs Men must wear either underwear or a bathing suit to protect intimate body parts. Females can choose to go nude or wear their undergarments (no underwire bras) All other clothing is removed.

I hate the cold. Is it bearable?
Describing the feeling of a treatment is like standing in front of a freezer on a hot day. It’s a chill but not painful. If you have ever done an ice bath or a cold shower, you have endured much worse than a cryotherapy treatment. Sessions at Cryofloast360 are completely dry and after 3 minutes in the chamber you immediately warm up and no longer feel cold.

Is it dangerous?
No, we use liquid nitrogen as a chilling agent, and it never meets your skin. Nitrogen is nontoxic, and nonflammable it comprises 78% of the air we breathe. A trained operator is always present during the treatment to control the temperature and monitor your comfort. There are no locks or latches on the door, so you are able exit the cryomachine easily and quickly anytime.

Who shouldn’t use it?

While cryotherapy is safe for much of the public, there are some individuals that should avoid using this freezing treatment. If any of the following apply to you, you should avoid using whole-body cryotherapy:

Anyone who is currently sick, pregnant, has severe unmanaged hypertension (BP> 180/100), has a cardiac pacemaker, is being treated for cancer, has deep vein thrombosis, acute or recent myocardial infarction, uncontrolled seizures, high fever, unstable angina pectoris, cold allergy, acute kidney and urinary tract diseases, uncontrolled diabetes, open sores, Raynaud’s Syndrome or is under influence of drugs or alcohol. If your still in doubt if this is right for you, we recommend discussing with your primary care provider.

What Should I Expect During My Session? 

During your session, one of our certified team members will guide you through your experience. You will be instructed to continuously rotate to maximize the benefits. If you feel uncomfortable at any time during your short session of whole-body cryotherapy, you may exit the cryosauna. Many participants experience pain relief and improved mental well-being immediately following their session.

What if I am claustrophobic?
Because Juka Machine is open at the top and adjusted to fit the height of the client, your head and neck are always above the opening, so you are not totally enveloped. The Juka has a door that is closed by 3 small magnets, it cannot be locked so you always have control over being in the chamber. You can stop the procedure at any time by telling the operator or you can simply push open the door and step out. A trained operator is with you during the treatment at all times talking and keeping your mind at ease. 

Will Cryotherapy make me lose weight?
A single treatment can burn between 500 to 800 calories. Cryotherapy causes an increase in the amount of brown fat (brown adipose tissue) that you have in your body. Brown fat’s role in the body is to produce heat, it does this by taking calories from white fat (white adipose tissue). While individuals with higher levels of brown adipose tissue have lower body fat percentages, and you burn calories with cryo, it's always best to use this in conjunction with diet and exercise.

I have metal or plastic implants in my body can I do cryotherapy?
Yes, absolutely. Having implant(s) inside your body (for example metal plate in your arm or breast augmentations) is not a problem for those looking to do cryotherapy. Cryotherapy only chills the skin a few millimeters deep, we are never freezing tissue or lowering your core body temperature; therefore, making it safer than an ice bath.

Can I catch cold because of whole body cryotherapy treatment?
No, you can’t. Quite opposite, the stimulation of the immune system can help decrease the severity and frequency of future colds; however, if you are currently sick it is strongly recommended that you do not use the cryotherapy machine.

Do I take a shower before or after using cryotherapy?
No. The sessions are completely dry, so you don't need to worry about showering before or after stepping into the machine.

Should I eat or drink anything before or after my session?

It’s always a good idea to eat and be hydrated before your session (if your stomach is growling or you’re parched during your session, you aren’t going to enjoy it as much as you should); however, it isn’t required. After your session is over, we do suggest hydrating yourself with fresh water. Eating post-session, however, is completely up to you and what you’re feeling, but deciding to eat or not to eat will not have any impact on the effects of your session.

How many sessions can I do in one day?
Two sessions a day is the maximum number of treatments that a person can undergo in one day. For most people one session a day is enough. Two treatments a day is only recommended for athletes undergoing intense training camps or people with severe injuries or conditions.

How Often Is Cryotherapy Recommended?

To maintain the benefits of cryotherapy, we suggest participating in sessions 2-3 times per week. When you are just starting cryotherapy, we recommend you return within 24-48 after your first session. We suggest coming in 3-5 times as close together as possible when first starting cryotherapy to target excess inflammation and treat pain.

What are the benefits of cryotherapy?

Many benefits have been attributed to cryotherapy. Some of the most notable benefits include:

• Reduced Inflammation
• Relief for muscle pain and soreness
• Improved sleep
• Increased metabolism and weight loss
• Mood  enhancement
• Reduced anxiety and depression

And those are just some of the benefits. Scientific research and clinical studies examining the effects and benefits that are associated with cold therapy are developing more and more each day.

Have More Questions? Ready to Schedule an Appointment?

If you have any other questions about cryotherapy or you’re ready to schedule your first session and you live, work, or workout in the Kern County area, get in touch with Bakersfield’s chilliest cryotherapy spa: Cryofloat360 by calling 661-829-7000 and remember Walk-Ins are always welcome.