Wellness & IV
Cryotherapy: what it is, what to expect and where to find it
What is Cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy at wellness clinics and medical spas usually means whole-body cryotherapy, a short session in a chamber of very cold air, or localized cryotherapy that cools one area of the body or face, such as a cryo facial. People use it for muscle recovery, relaxation and skin care.
How Cryotherapy works
Brief exposure to extreme cold makes blood vessels near the skin narrow and then widen again as the body warms up. Supporters say this can ease soreness and inflammation and leave people feeling energised. Research on whole-body cryotherapy for recovery is mixed, and regulators have cautioned against claims that it treats medical conditions.
What to expect at the appointment
- A health questionnaire and blood pressure check before the first session.
- Protective gloves, socks and slippers, with dry skin and no jewellery.
- A very short stay in the chamber or a handheld device moved over one area.
- Warming up afterwards, often with light movement.
Recovery and downtime
There is no downtime. Skin may look red briefly and some people feel tingling as they warm up.
Safety and suitability
- Not suitable for people with uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart conditions, Raynaud's, cold allergies or pregnancy.
- Sweat or wet clothing in the chamber raises the risk of frostbite, so follow the clinic's instructions exactly.
- Sessions should always be supervised by trained staff.
- It does not replace medical treatment of injuries or inflammatory conditions.
Questions to ask before you book
- What health screening do you do before the first session?
- Is every session supervised, and what is the safety procedure?
- How cold does the chamber get and how long is each session?
- Who should not use this service?
Cryotherapy FAQ
Is whole-body cryotherapy safe?
It can be done safely with proper screening and supervision, but there are risks such as frostbite and blood pressure changes. People with heart, circulation or cold-related conditions are usually advised against it.
What is a cryo facial?
A cryo facial uses a stream of very cold air or a cold tool on the face for a short time. It is used to make skin look refreshed and less puffy, usually as part of a facial.
Does cryotherapy help with weight loss?
Cryotherapy sessions are not a weight loss treatment. Fat freezing for body contouring is a different procedure that uses applicators on specific areas.
This is general information, not medical advice, and results differ from person to person. Talk to a licensed provider before booking if you have a skin condition, are pregnant or take medicines that affect your skin.
Written and fact-checked against our editorial rules (no prices, statistics or promised results) by the MedSpa Listings editorial team. Last reviewed 2026-11-03.
Where to find Cryotherapy
City pages for Cryotherapy appear once at least three listed clinics in a city name it on their own website. Browse med spas by state.
1 listed clinic name Cryotherapy on their own website (MedSpa Listings service scan).