What is Cryotherapy?

By Ashley Downes, IFBB Fitness Pro, Owner of FitFuel Nutrition, LLC

Do you hit the gym daily or compete in athletic events? Do you have a job that requires physical labor? Maybe you have an injury or you’re recovering from a recent surgery? Have you suffered from chronic pain, fibromyalgia, or rheumatoid arthritis? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, cryotherapy might be for you!

Cryotherapy to the Rescue

My name is Ashley, and I’m a gym owner, professional bodybuilder, and recreational runner and triathlete. Several years ago, I was training for a marathon and was plagued by Achilles Tendonitis. I tried everything from icing, to therapy, to time off. Nothing helped. Whole Body Cryotherapy was suggested by one of my personal training clients who was also a runner. I finally gave it a shot after months of procrastinating, and I drove an hour to find the nearest location. I couldn’t believe the immediate relief! I went on a 6 mile run the next day and experienced ZERO pain!!! I was so excited that I ordered my husband to try it for his chronic knee pain, and he had similar results. After one session each, we decided to purchase a unit for our gym in order to share the benefit with our local community. We believed in it THAT MUCH!

What is Whole Body Cryotherapy?

Body cryotherapy is a cylindrical chamber that fills with nitrogen vapor to -230 degrees F. The treatment lasts up to 3 minutes. When your skin surface temperature drops, your body sends signals to the brain to draw blood to your internal organs for protection. While the blood is circulating your core, it picks up oxygen and nutrients which stimulate your body’s natural healing process. As soon as treatment ends, your brain decides where it should send the oxygen-rich blood first. It’s fast and more comfortable than an ice bath. With whole body cryotherapy, the air circulating is colder than an ice bath, but DRY, so it’s not nearly as excruciating as cold water. Is it uncomfortable? Yes, a little, but only for the last 30-60 seconds. As we tell our gym members, you can push through anything for 30 seconds!

What are the Results?

While it may be uncomfortable for a short time, the benefits are well worth it! You can expect decreased soreness and pain from physical activity, decreased swelling, increased range of motion, improved sleep and mood, a strengthened immune system, an accelerated metabolism, and relief from joint disorders, arthritis, and rheumatoid diseases. My favorite effect is the release of endorphins and the energy boost that lasts several hours post-treatment. As a mom of 4 and a business owner, I could definitely use a little extra energy!

How Often Should You do Whole Body Cryotherapy?

Personally, I use it almost every day, but I’m also training at an elite level and workout 2-3 hours/day. Most people experience great results from 2 sessions/week initially, and then back off to a maintenance mode of about once/ week. Research has shown that you’ll experience cumulative benefits after a minimum of 10 sessions; however I always tell customers, “Your body will tell you when it’s time to get back in.” Each person and scenario is unique.

What Should I Wear to my First Whole Body Cryotherapy Treatment?

We suggest wearing workout shorts for men and also a sports bra for women. You must arrive with dry skin (no lotion or sweat), and you must remove all jewelry. We provide our customers with socks, funny/furry animal boots, and gloves for protection of the extremities. If anything, try it out for the picture in the crazy boots!

You Might be Wondering if There are Any Risks or Dangers to Cryotherapy.

Our chamber by CryoInnovations has features to ensure your safety. Our trained staff members are always present during the session to control the temperature level and your comfort. There are several contraindications such as pregnancy, pacemakers, Raynaud’s syndrome, or open wounds. We require a waiver with a complete list of contraindications that must be completed by each client prior to their first session. Safety is our mission! So whether you’re an avid gym-rat, you’ve experienced an injury, or battle chronic pain, Whole Body Cryotherapy could be your solution to attaining that next level of wellness or fitness. Cryotherapy is a NATURAL solution to pain that will allow you to TRAIN HARD AND RECOVER FAST!

Ashley Downes is the owner of FitFuel Nutrition, Fitness, and Cryotherapy, an IFBB Fitness Pro, and a wife and mother of 4 children. She holds a BA in Health and Fitness from Purdue University and practices as an ACE certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach. She is driven to help others succeed in their wellness endeavors by sharing her passion for health and fitness. Her gym, FitFuel, offers personal training, online coaching, 24 hour fitness, group fitness, nutrition coaching, physical therapy, and whole body cryotherapy and is located in Jasper, Indiana.  Learn more about FitFuel at www.fitfuelnutritionllc.com.