Whole-body cryotherapy (WBC)

Cryotherapy, otherwise known as cold therapy, is a treatment that uses extreme cold temperatures (below -80C) to achieve numerous health benefits. Cryotherapy has long been used as a local treatment to freeze and destroy abnormal tissue such as warts and skin tags.

Whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) was first developed in Japan in 1978 and involves using a cryotherapy chamber to expose the whole body to freezing or near-freezing temperatures for a controlled amount of time. Whole-body cryotherapy may be used to relieve chronic pain, improve mood and sleep, and treat a range of health conditions.

How does whole-body cryotherapy work?

Whole-body cryotherapy works by using very cold air (liquid nitrogen) to trigger a fight-or-flight response that stimulates your circulatory, nervous, and immune systems. 

During whole-body cryotherapy, your skin temperature is cooled by around 5C while your core body temperature remains relatively stable. This makes it a faster and safer alternative to cold water immersion therapy (ice baths) with a much faster recovery time.

When exposed to extremely low temperatures, your skin’s cold receptors trigger your blood vessels to constrict (vasoconstriction) and then expand (vasodilation), redirecting blood flow to your vital organs to maintain your core temperature. This stimulates your natural healing processes, boosts your circulation, and reduces inflammation in your body. The treatment also triggers the release of feel-good hormones called endorphins, providing natural pain relief which can reduce pain and inflammation in patients for weeks after treatment, making physiotherapy treatment more effective. 

This page explains what whole-body cryotherapy is, how you may benefit from whole-body cryotherapy, and what happens during the procedure.  

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Our fixed-price packages include the cost of your surgery and all appropriate aftercare appointments. However, any pre-surgery diagnostic tests and your consultant's outpatient appointment consultation fee are charged separately.

Our flexible payment options help you spread the cost of your payment across a time period that suits you.

Whole-body cryotherapy is widely used by professional athletes and celebrities to increase energy, speed healing, improve sleep and reduce brain fog. The treatment may also be beneficial for a wide range of medical conditions, including:

• Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis
• Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) 
• Fibromyalgia
• Tendonitis
• Multiple sclerosis: WBC may help reduce fatigue associated with MS 
• Alzheimer’s disease 
• Chronic pain 
• Muscle and ligament strains
• Skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema
• Mood disorders like depression and anxiety 
• Headaches and chronic migraines 
• Recovery from surgery

While whole-body cryotherapy is safe for most people, it's not suitable for everyone. Tell your physiotherapist about any medical conditions and allergies you have and any regular medications, including any over-the-counter medicines and supplements you are taking. Always check with your consultant before starting any new treatment.

Whole-body cryotherapy may not be suitable for you if you:

• Are pregnant 
• Are under 18 years of age  
• Have high blood pressure (hypertension) 
• Are claustrophobic 
• Have a cold allergy: A skin reaction that causes itchy welts to appear on your skin after exposure to cold 
• Have Raynaud’s phenomenon: A condition that causes reduced blood flow to your fingers and toes 
• Have a pacemaker
• Have had a heart attack within the past six months
• Have unstable angina 
• Have cardiac arrhythmias
• Have some types of cardiovascular disease
• Have peripheral vascular disease
  

At your first consultation, you will be seen by a physiotherapist with special training in whole-body cryotherapy. Your physiotherapist will ask you about your symptoms, general health and medical history, as well as your reasons for wanting to have whole-body cryotherapy and what you hope to achieve from the treatment. They may perform a physical examination to check your strength, flexibility and range of motion as well as the impact of any injuries, conditions or limitations you may have. 

Your first appointment is important as it’s where you’ll meet your healthcare team, including the physiotherapist responsible for your care. Your physiotherapist will take time to get to know you, discuss your expectations for treatment and encourage you to ask any questions you may have. At Circle Health Group, we want you to be as well-informed and comfortable as possible during your whole-body cryotherapy treatment, so please discuss any questions or concerns with your physiotherapist during your appointment. 

Your physiotherapist will tell you everything you need to do to prepare for your whole-body cryotherapy treatment. Instructions on how to prepare will also be in your appointment letter. 
If there’s anything you’re not sure about, or if you have any questions, please contact the hospital for advice.

Before your whole-body cryotherapy treatment:

• Drink plenty of water: Cryotherapy can be dehydrating, so it’s important to drink plenty of water before your treatment
• Avoid alcohol: Alcohol widens (dilates) your blood vessels which can make you more sensitive to cold temperatures. It can also make dehydration worse. 
• Don’t apply any makeup, lotions, oils, or other skin products: Skin products may make your treatment less effective as they create a barrier between your skin and the cold air
• Avoid eating a large meal before your treatment: Having a full stomach can be uncomfortable when exposed to extreme cold as this can slow the digestive process. It’s fine to eat a light meal or snack an hour or two before your whole body cryotherapy treatment. 
• Don’t shave: Shaving can irritate your skin and make it more sensitive to the extreme cold temperatures of the cryotherapy chamber
• Don’t shower: You need to be completely dry before your whole body cryotherapy treatment to prevent frostbite. We recommend not showering before your treatment session. 

When you arrive for your whole-body cryotherapy session, you will need to complete a short health questionnaire and sign a consent form. You will be taken to a changing room where you’ll be asked to remove your clothing except for a bathing suit or shorts and a t-shirt. You’ll need to bring thick socks, gloves and a headband or earmuffs to protect your hands, feet and ears during your whole body cryotherapy treatment. You’ll also be given a facemask to protect your face.

You must not wear any metal in the cryotherapy chamber including jewellery or an underwired bra. This is because the metal can freeze and burn your skin during your treatment. 

You need to be completely dry before starting your treatment.

You’ll enter the whole-body cryotherapy chamber under the supervision of a physiotherapist and stay in the chamber for between two and four minutes. You’ll be supervised and able to make contact with your physiotherapist at all times during your treatment. You can stop your treatment at any time during the procedure. 

Your skin may be red and feel tingly immediately after your whole-body cryotherapy treatment. This is normal and should subside within a few minutes.

After whole-body cryotherapy treatment, following the correct guidelines during your recovery will enhance the benefits you get from your treatment. Proper aftercare following whole body cryotherapy also reduces the risk of negative reactions and side effects.

After your whole-body cryotherapy treatment:

• Drink plenty of water: Hydration after whole-body cryotherapy treatment is essential to support your circulatory system, flush out toxins, and speed up your recovery
• Avoid strenuous activity: It’s important to rest and build up your activity level slowly after whole body cryotherapy. Light exercise is beneficial after cryotherapy treatment but wait a few hours engaging in vigorous activity
• Avoid using harsh chemicals or exfoliants on your skin: Your skin may be more sensitive for a few hours after whole body cryotherapy, so don’t use any products containing harsh chemicals, exfoliants or body scrubs for a while after your treatment 
• Avoid hot baths or showers: Allow your body temperature to return to normal gradually after your treatment to prevent shocking your system. We recommend waiting at least 30 minutes before showering after your treatment and avoiding hot showers, baths or saunas for an hour or two after your cryotherapy session
• Follow a balanced diet: Eating healthy, nutritious meals will allow you to get the full benefits from your whole-body cryotherapy 
• Listen to your body: Take things at your own pace and listen to your body during your recovery from cryotherapy treatment. Call the hospital if you have any questions or concerns after your treatment

How many nights will I need to stay in hospital?

Whole-body cryotherapy is an outpatient procedure and does not require a hospital stay. 

Will I be able to drive home?

Assuming you feel well enough, you can drive immediately after your whole body cryotherapy session.

How soon can I go back to work?

You can usually return to work straight away after your treatment.

When will I be back to normal?

Most people are back to normal and can resume normal daily activities straight away after whole body cryotherapy treatment.

How many whole body cryotherapy sessions you will need depends on your individual preferences, diagnosis and the results you expect to achieve. Your physiotherapist will advise you on the recommended number of sessions based on your individual needs. Most people have between three and five sessions of whole body cryotherapy per week for between one and two months.

Whole-body cryotherapy is a non-invasive procedure with a low risk of complications, but as with any medical procedure, there is a small risk that adverse reactions may occur. 

Your physiotherapist will explain all the possible risks and complications of whole-body cryotherapy before your procedure and answer any questions you may have. You can help minimise the risk of complications by following the instructions you are given on how to prepare for your whole-body cryotherapy treatment and what to do afterwards.

Possible complications of whole-body cryotherapy may include:

• Headache: A tension headache around your scalp or forehead can occur after whole-body cryotherapy treatment as your scalp muscles tighten in response to the cold temperature. This can be treated with painkillers and massage and doesn't usually last more than a few hours
• Dizziness:  During whole-body cryotherapy, your blood vessels constrict (narrow), which can reduce the flow of blood and oxygen to your brain leading to temporary dizziness or light-headedness
• High blood pressure: Whole-body cryotherapy can cause a temporary rise in blood pressure
• Frostbite: Damage to your skin and tissue caused by exposure to extreme cold. This can cause permanent tissue damage
• Local skin reactions: May include skin burns, urticaria (itching) and hives (raised, red bumps on the skin)
• Cold panniculitis: A rash that appears as tiny, hard bumps, or raised, scaly patches on your skin, or deep lumps under your skin. It occurs when your fatty tissue is damaged by extreme cold and takes several weeks to heal
• Transient global amnesia (TGA): Sudden and temporary loss of memory (rare)

At Circle Health Group, we have the experience and expertise to ensure the best possible care and outcome for our patients. As a patient with Circle Health Group, you can expect the highest standards of care including:

• Flexible appointment times and locations that are convenient for you
• The freedom to choose which hospital and consultant suit your needs
• Personalised, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs
• Comfortable and safe private facilities maintained by expert multidisciplinary teams
• Private ensuite rooms as standard
• A range of delicious healthy meals
• Affordable, fixed-price packages with aftercare included
• Flexible payment options to help you spread the cost of your care

If you would like to see a consultant or learn more about whole-body cryotherapy, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly on 0808 189 5499.

Whole body cryotherapy, Physiopedia

Whole-Body Cryotherapy in Athletes: From Therapy to Stimulation. An Updated Review of the Literature, PubMed

Evaluating safety risks of whole-body cryotherapy/cryostimulation (WBC): a scoping review from an international consortium, PubMed 

Cryotherapy, Cleveland Clinic