Localised & Whole-Body Cryotherapy Benefits, Uses & What to Expect

Are you looking to speed up recovery, reduce inflammation, and experience a natural energy boost? Discover the transformative cryotherapy benefits offered by both localised and whole-body treatments.

What is Cryotherapy?

Cryotherapy involves exposing the body to freezing temperatures for several minutes. Two common methods are whole-body cryotherapy, in which the entire body is immersed in cold air inside a specialised chamber for a short time, and localised cryotherapy, which targets specific parts of the body, such as when ice packs are used after exercise.

The idea behind whole-body cryotherapy is that exposure to extreme cold can offer the body many health benefits. While several of these benefits remain unproven, research supports its ability to reduce muscle pain, inflammation, and oxidative stress caused by physical activity. That explains why some athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and individuals seeking holistic wellness opt for two whole-body cryotherapy sessions a day, while others get daily sessions for 10 days and switch to once a month afterwards.

What Is Whole-Body Cryotherapy?

Whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) is a treatment in which the body is exposed to extremely low temperatures (usually between –100°C and –150°C) for up to three minutes in a cryotherapy chamber. This intense cooling chills the entire body surface, tricking the brain into thinking it’s at risk of hypothermia. 

In response to this perceived threat, the sympathetic nervous system triggers several physiological responses in the body:

• Norepinephrine, endorphins, and anti-inflammatory proteins are released to increase metabolism and energy levels. 
• During the session, blood vessels constrict (vasoconstriction), reducing blood flow to the skin and extremities, including inflamed areas. They then redirect blood to protect vital organs and maintain core temperature. After the session, blood vessels dilate (vasodilation), restoring oxygen—and nutrient-rich blood flow to the skin and extremities. 
• As the body works hard to maintain its core temperature during the session, its metabolic rate increases, burning more calories.

The combined effects of these physiological responses support the recovery of muscle, bone, and tissue injuries, which may enhance athletic performance. 

What Is Localised Cryotherapy?

Unlike whole-body cryotherapy, which exposes the entire body to cold, localised cryotherapy targets specific body parts that are inflamed or experiencing pain. It can be administered in various ways, including ice packs, ice baths, ice massage, and coolant sprays. During a localised cryotherapy session, the targeted area is exposed to temperatures as low as –115°C for five to ten minutes. This causes the blood vessels in the area to constrict, flush out fluid and waste and reduce swelling.

As the body warms up after the session, nutrient—and oxygen-rich blood flows back into the treated area, aiding recovery and mobility (more expansive range of motion). In addition to treating inflammation, localised cryotherapy can also reduce cellulite, treat sprains, and reduce the appearance of scars, bruises, and acne.

Benefits of Cryotherapy

1. It can help treat migraine

Cryotherapy is thought to help alleviate migraines by cooling the blood flowing through the intracranial vessels in the neck. A study found that participants who used a neck wrap with two freezable ice packs on their carotid arteries experienced significant pain relief from migraines.  

2. It helps relieve muscle pain and inflammation

Athletes have used localised cryotherapy for many years to reduce pain and inflammation. While cold compresses are usually effective for mild pain, other methods, like ice baths and probes, are especially beneficial for chronic pain. In a typical session, a trained professional may insert a small probe into tissues near the affected area, which helps target the source of the pain and inflammation more directly. This can reduce inflammation markers and aid in treating pinched nerves and even acute injuries.

3. It may promote better skin

Since cryotherapy reduces oxidative stress and inflammation while increasing blood flow, it may aid in treating inflammatory skin diseases, like atopic dermatitis, and improve the skin’s appearance. 

4. It may aid in treating low-risk tumours

Some dermatologists use targeted, localised cryotherapy to remove warts, scars, and acne and treat precancerous growths. In these cases, this procedure is known as cryosurgery and must be performed by a healthcare professional in a medical setting. Cryosurgery works by freezing cancer cells and surrounding tissues with ice crystals. It’s commonly used to treat low-risk tumours in some cancers, such as prostate and cervical cancers.

5. It can help treat mood disorders

When the body is exposed to frigid temperatures, this triggers the release of adrenaline, noradrenaline, and endorphins. This can improve the mood of those struggling with mood disorders like anxiety and depression. In fact, a study found that whole-body cryotherapy may be effective in short-term treatment for mood and anxiety disorders.

What to Expect

At Reju, whole-body cryotherapy sessions typically last three minutes, while localised and facial sessions take about 15 minutes. Our team will guide you through your private session to ensure a seamless and comfortable experience.

Please arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled session to allow time for changing. We recommend wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for ease during the treatment. 

After changing into appropriate clothing, we’ll guide you into our cryotherapy chamber (if you opted for whole-body cryotherapy), where you’ll stand for about three minutes. If you choose localised cryotherapy, we’ll guide you to where you may sit or lie down. Then, depending on your needs and preferences, we’ll treat the affected part of your body using targeted cooling methods, like coolant sprays or cryotherapy probes.

Please be advised: Cryotherapy isn’t recommended for those who are pregnant or have conditions such as heart disease, epilepsy, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or other severe medical conditions. If you have any medical concerns or conditions, please consult your healthcare practitioner before undergoing cryotherapy.

Whole-Body vs Localised Cryotherapy: Which Should You Choose?

The right therapy to choose largely depends on your needs and desired outcomes. If you want well-rounded treatment, improved overall performance, and increased energy levels, whole-body cryotherapy is an excellent choice. 

However, there are times when specific parts of your body may need more focused attention than others. For example, runners often experience leg soreness and may want to target particular leg muscle groups for pain relief. Likewise, athletes recovering from shoulder injuries might want to focus on just the affected area for quicker healing. In such cases, choosing localised cryotherapy can be more rewarding.

Treatment Plans and Expected Outcomes

Cryotherapy is a safe, non-invasive way to reduce muscle pain, inflammation, and oxidative stress and improve your athletic performance. At Reju Clinic, we offer our customers a comfortable, rejuvenating experience every step of the way. 

We offer one-off cryotherapy sessions for $99 (whole-body) and $75 (localised). For added value, you can try our prepay options: a pack of five or 10 sessions starting at $445 (whole-body) and $345 (localised). We also offer weekly memberships for whole-body cryotherapy that include two sessions per week for $100. Book your session today.