Cryotherapy
What whole body cryotherapy involves and how it differs from cold water immersion.
Written and reviewed by Perth Recovery Guide · Last reviewed 5 September 2026
What cryotherapy are, and what to expect
Whole body cryotherapy exposes most of the body to extremely cold, dry air for a brief, timed session, commonly about two to four minutes depending on the chamber and provider protocol. Air removes heat much less efficiently than water, which is why cryotherapy can use a far lower air temperature without producing the same cooling pattern as an ice bath. The exposure should be screened, supervised and stopped immediately if something feels wrong.
A short history
Modern whole body cryotherapy developed from clinical cold treatment ideas and later spread into sport and wellness settings. Athletes commonly seek it for soreness and perceived readiness, while other users describe an alerting or energising experience. Research is still developing, so pain, inflammation, skin, mood and recovery claims need to be considered separately rather than accepted as one proven package.
Potential wellbeing and recovery benefits
People use cryotherapy for different reasons. The most relevant possibilities are:
- A brief, dry cold exposure for people who dislike prolonged water immersion
- Possible reduction in perceived muscle soreness after demanding exercise
- A supervised, time controlled experience that some people describe as energising
- A recovery option that can be easier to fit into a short appointment than an ice bath
Pain and soreness
Research suggests cryotherapy may reduce perceived soreness in some recovery settings, particularly across the following one to three days.
Intense cold can temporarily alter pain perception; this does not diagnose or heal the cause of pain.
Experience and wellbeing
The exposure is usually only a few minutes and avoids the wet cold sensation of immersion.
Some users feel energised afterwards, but subjective alertness is not proof of a medical benefit.
Performance and recovery
Athletes may use cryotherapy when soreness and another performance are close together.
Results for strength, jump performance and recovery markers vary by protocol and timing.
Individual responses vary. These services are best viewed as optional additions to sleep, nutrition, appropriate training and healthcare, not replacements for them.
How to approach your first session
- Complete the venue’s health screening honestly and ask what staff supervision is present throughout the session.
- Arrive completely dry. Remove jewellery and metal items, then use the protective gloves, socks, footwear and other garments supplied.
- Follow the exact chamber timing and communicate immediately if you feel burning pain, numbness, breathing difficulty, dizziness or distress.
- Warm up naturally afterwards and avoid stacking multiple intense therapies without a clear reason.
This is general information, not medical advice. Ask the venue about its screening and supervision, and speak with a qualified health professional when a medical condition, pregnancy or medication may affect suitability.
Practical considerations
- Whole body cryotherapy is not a medical cure, and evidence is limited for many advertised inflammation, weight loss, immunity, skin and mood outcomes.
- Extremely cold air can cause cold injury when equipment, protective clothing or protocols are misused.
- Do not use reduced pain immediately after a session to ignore an injury or return to unsafe activity.
- Suitability requires extra care with pregnancy, cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled blood pressure, circulation problems, reduced sensation and some respiratory conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Is cryotherapy the same as an ice bath?
No. Cryotherapy uses a brief blast of very cold dry air, while an ice bath uses prolonged wet cold and transfers heat away much faster. Cold water immersion currently has stronger evidence for short term relief of post exercise soreness.
How long is a cryotherapy session?
Whole body sessions are commonly around two to four minutes, but the chamber, temperature and operator protocol determine the actual limit. Follow the venue rather than copying a time from another facility.
What do you wear?
Facilities normally provide gloves, socks, footwear and other protective items. You must be dry, and jewellery or metal items are generally removed. Follow the chamber specific instructions.
Does cryotherapy reduce inflammation?
Cold exposure can influence inflammatory responses, but studies report mixed results and depend on timing, dose and the outcome measured. It should not be described as guaranteed full body inflammation treatment.
How often should I go?
There is no universal schedule. Start with a clear purpose, observe how you feel later and the next day, and avoid purchasing a long course before knowing whether the service is useful for you.