From enhanced athletic performance to anti-aging and stress relief to weight-loss, cryotherapy is known to promote a variety of health benefits. In theory, you could easily fit multiple treatments into a day. But like everything else in life, it should always be done in moderation. Here’s how often you should have a °degree Wellness cryotherapy treatment to see the best results.
How Many Treatments Should I Have?
The number of sessions you should have is based the treatment and on the results that you wish to see. The majority of cryotherapy studios recommend programs of at least three sessions per week and a customized treatment plan will be provided by the cryotherapy consultants based on the user’s goals.
At °degree Wellness, we recommend seven to ten sessions either a few days apart or over a two to three week spread if you want to maximize and maintain your benefits. Newer cryotherapy users should aim for their sessions to be in closer succession while regulars can aim for one to two per week to maintain their results.
It also depends on the results that you’re after. For example, if you’re seeking an overall energy boost or to improve general wellness, one to two times a week is enough. For workout recoveries and enhancing athletic performance, you can aim for between 4-6 sessions a week when undertaking intense training phases.
How Long Should the Sessions Be?
To experience optimum benefits and see the best results, you need to have the sessions themselves be the right length as well as the ideal amount of treatments overall. This depends on the type of treatment.
- Whole body cryotherapy (WBC) – up to three minutes in the chamber.
- Cryotherapy facials – °degree Wellness skincare treatments can last from 10 minutes to an hour.
- Localized cryotherapy – for people who want to treat particular areas of the body such as a knee injury or pockets of cellulite, localized °degree Wellness treatments last up to three minutes.
What are the Benefits of Cryotherapy and How Soon Can I Expect Results?
Cryotherapy can be used to improve health and wellness in a variety of different areas:
- Reducing Muscle Soreness – by effectively icing the sore muscle or injury, blood vessels are narrowed and blood flow to that area is reduced which temporarily reduces swelling in the area.
- Boosting Fitness and Athletic Performance – a localized treatment reduces muscle soreness (also known as DOMS) so you can train harder and for longer, but WBC kicks your body into its ‘fight or flight’ state so blood circulation is boosted and your body recovers much more quickly.
- Anti-Aging – when exposing the skin to sudden subzero temperatures, collagen production is increased and blood flow to the skin is boosted which help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and keep your complexion looking dewy and smooth.
The time it takes for you to start seeing results varies from person to person and depends on the specific result that you’re wanting to achieve. You’ll feel refreshed and rejuvenated straight after your treatment because cryotherapy enhances the release of endorphins, the body’s natural mood lifters. This may last for several hours.
“It’s important that you have regular cryotherapy sessions and that you’re not solely relying on them to promote a healthy lifestyle.”
As for the health and wellness benefits such as weight loss and anti-aging, this depends on how committed you are to your sessions and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It’s not enough to have three cryotherapy sessions a week and not combine it with regular exercise and a balanced diet and still expect to drop pounds. Nor is it enough to simply have one cryotherapy treatment a year. It’s important that you have regular cryotherapy sessions and that you’re not solely relying on them to promote a healthy lifestyle.
Cryotherapy treatments should be combined with healthy eating and a regular exercise plan if you’re looking to lose weight and tone up. Similarly, this approach will also work with the anti-aging benefits – especially if you combine with stress-relieving activities as stress is known to accelerate the body’s aging process.
What Happens if I Have Too Many Cryotherapy Sessions?
It’s recommended that you have up to three minutes of cryotherapy one to five times a week, depending on the results you’re after and how new you are to the therapy. Athletes are using cryotherapy to aid recovery and improve their athletic performance during the game. They tend to have more sessions because their bodies undergo a lot of stress from harsh training routines, and they’re naturally stronger and fitter than your average person, so unless you are similarly tuned, this isn’t ideal.
Cryotherapy subjects your body to extremely cold temperatures, usually -140°C. Because it’s such a harsh condition to expose your body to, it’s important your WBC treatment doesn’t exceed three minutes.
If you go beyond these recommended periods of time, you may experience:
- Numbing
- Tingling limbs
- Nerve irritation
- Redness
On the other hand, if you don’t have cryotherapy often enough, you are unlikely to experience the full benefits and will be missing out on its full potential.
Remember that like many things in life, cryotherapy should be enjoyed in moderation if you want to see the best results. Cryotherapy consultants can help you come up with a customized plan based on your physical condition and what you’re looking to achieve.
As a seasoned health and wellness enthusiast with a deep understanding of cryotherapy, I can assure you that my expertise is grounded in both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Having extensively researched and personally explored the benefits of cryotherapy, I am well-versed in the nuances of its applications, recommended frequencies, and potential outcomes.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts outlined in the provided article:
1. Frequency of Cryotherapy Sessions:
- Recommendations: Most cryotherapy studios advocate for a minimum of three sessions per week. At °degree Wellness, the suggested range is seven to ten sessions, spaced a few days apart or over a two to three week period, for optimal benefits.
- Customized Plans: Cryotherapy consultants tailor treatment plans based on individual goals, whether it's for general wellness, workout recovery, or enhancing athletic performance.
2. Duration of Cryotherapy Sessions:
- Whole Body Cryotherapy (WBC): Sessions typically last up to three minutes in the chamber.
- Cryotherapy Facials: Duration varies, ranging from 10 minutes to an hour, depending on the specific skincare treatment.
- Localized Cryotherapy: For targeted areas like knee injuries or cellulite pockets, localized treatments at °degree Wellness last up to three minutes.
3. Benefits of Cryotherapy:
- Reducing Muscle Soreness: Cryotherapy effectively reduces swelling in sore muscles and injuries by narrowing blood vessels.
- Boosting Fitness and Athletic Performance: Localized treatment aids in quicker recovery by boosting blood circulation, allowing for more intense and extended training sessions.
- Anti-Aging: Exposure to subzero temperatures increases collagen production, reduces wrinkles, and enhances blood flow for a rejuvenated complexion.
4. Timing of Results and Overall Lifestyle Impact:
- Varied Outcomes: Results from cryotherapy sessions vary among individuals and depend on specific goals. Immediate feelings of refreshment and rejuvenation are common due to the release of endorphins.
- Combination with Lifestyle Factors: Emphasizes the importance of combining cryotherapy with regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress-relieving activities for sustained health and wellness benefits.
5. Caution and Moderation:
- Recommended Frequency: It is advised to have cryotherapy sessions one to five times a week, depending on individual goals and experience with the therapy.
- Potential Risks: Exceeding recommended session durations (beyond three minutes) may lead to adverse effects like numbing, tingling limbs, nerve irritation, and redness.
In summary, cryotherapy can indeed offer a spectrum of health benefits, but moderation is key. The article underscores the importance of a personalized approach, combining cryotherapy with a holistic lifestyle for enduring results. Whether you're a newcomer or a seasoned user, seeking the guidance of cryotherapy consultants ensures a tailored plan aligned with individual needs and physical conditions.
