Cryotherapy machines work to produce dry cold air that can be pushed around users to experience various benefits.
Precision in temperature control is paramount for safe and effective cryotherapy sessions. Contrary to popular belief, experiencing discomfort or pain during a session isnt a reliable indicator of its effectiveness. This is because pain receptors lie deeper within the skin compared to cold receptors, which cease detecting temperatures slightly above freezing at 32°F (0°C). Therefore, assessing treatment success based on pain or discomfort is misleading.
The measure of a successful cryotherapy session lies in carefully reducing skin temperature, typically by 10%, 30%, or 50%.
The key to a successful cryotherapy session is gradually lowering the skin temperature, usually by 10%, 30%, or 50%. Yet, how each person responds to cold varies a lot, not just between individuals but also in different parts of the body. This is why the best machines can target different areas of the body with different temperature in real time [Book a consultation with me to learn more].
Before diving into the world of cryotherapy machines, lets first explore the different types available:
By Reach:
By Cooling Technology:
In the next sections, well delve into choosing the best option for your needs.
Body and localized cryotherapy offer very different experiences, cater to different needs, and come with varying costs.
Whole and full body cryotherapy machines are like giant walk-in freezers that can plunge your entire body into sub-zero temperatures. The intense cold is known to help with muscle recovery, reduce inflammation, and leave you feeling energized. These machines are designed to give you a full-body deep freeze, and theyre a great choice for people who want a powerful and invigorating treatment.
Whole-body and full-body cryotherapy machines typically cost between $30,000 and $280,000. Youll often find them in wellness centers, sports facilities, and dedicated cryotherapy clinics.
Localized cryotherapy machines, on the other hand, target specific areas of the body that need attention. They deliver a more gentle and personalized treatment, focusing on localized concerns without subjecting the entire body to extreme cold.
If youre looking for a targeted approach to address specific areas of pain or inflammation, localized cryotherapy is a good option. Instead of stepping into a chamber, you can receive treatment directly on the problem area. Localized cryotherapy machines can provide relief for sore joints, aching muscles, and nagging injuries.
Localized cryotherapy machines are typically more affordable than whole-body machines, with prices starting at around $7,500.
Choosing between electric and nitrogen doesnt matter for localized cryotherapy machines as they are fairly similar in terms of pricing and efficiency. But when it comes to whole-body and full-body machines, the decision ultimately boils down to two key factors: the ability to tailor the temperature to individual users and, of course, budget.
We like to distinguish 3 types of machines:
Nitrogen cryo machines deliver a powerful blast of cold, reaching temperatures as low as -196°C. While this extreme cold might seem appealing, maintaining precise temperature control can be challenging due to the rapid expansion of nitrogen gas within these machines. Additionally, managing the nitrogen supply, often stored in large 220-liter tanks, can be labor-intensive and time-consuming.
For more information, please visit Rejuvelab.
Pros:
Cons:
Electric machines with active cooling take a different approach, offering real-time temperature adjustment based on the users skin temperature. They create a bone-chilling experience by chilling the chamber to around -4°F (-20°C)and utilizing powerful blowers to deliver the sensation of cold.
Pros:
Cons:
Designed specifically for businesses or teams accommodating multiple users simultaneously, electric machines without active cooling maintain a stable temperature range, usually around -130°F to -166°F (-90°C to -110°C). They offer a highly safe environment for users and can handle multiple individuals during a single session. However, they come with their own set of challenges, including a complex installation process, lengthy cooldown times, and high reliance on the manufacturer for repairs and maintenance.
Pros:
Cons:
Cryotherapy machine cost from $7,000 to $280,000, depending on the model, brand, features, and technology incorporated.
Let me save you some time with the following table that shows what you can afford based on your budget. I took in consideration the average cost of installation and the potentially required renovations/fittings to install machines.
Does Cryotherapy Work?
Yes! Cryotherapy has been in practice since the s to help patients with full-body chronic pain, localized inflammation, weight loss, and skin rejuvenation. 2 primary devices use cryotherapy: Whole Body Cryo and Localized Cryo. Treatment time is often between 1 and 5 minutes which will deliver stronger healing effects than using a standard ice pack for hours. Cryotherapy temperatures get as low as negative 300 degrees Fahrenheit to kill fat cells, remove warts, and help treat chronic pain.
Whole-body cryotherapy, also known as Cryosaunas, allows the user's head to be positioned above the cryotherapy chamber with the arms, legs, and chest inside of the cryo-chamber. Full-body cryotherapy tightens blood vessels around the surface of the skin to reduce inflammation; its especially beneficial for recovery after a workout or for those living with chronic pain. Chilling the surface of the body causes an automatic response that starts to burn fat cells for a slimmer, younger appearance. Full-body cryotherapy devices use electricity or liquid nitrogen to super-chill the cryotherapy chamber. Patients may need to wear a robe, socks, or mittens to protect smaller blood vessels from the cold temperatures.
Localized Cryotherapy machines can be used for cryofacials to improve burned, scarred, or loose skin. Health clinics, medical offices, beauty salons, wellness fitness centers, and sports clubs can benefit financially by offering localized cryotherapy to their members to treat their athletic inflammation or rejuvenate aging skin. These smaller cryotherapy machines use electricity or liquid nitrogen to deliver super-chilled air through the handheld nozzle, spot-treating chronic pain.
Electricity Vs. Nitrogen Machine Safety
Nitrogen chambers and electric cryotherapy chambers are the 2 methods that deliver such low temperatures. Nitrogen chambers use liquid nitrogen that mixes with air at the bottom of the cryosauna. This liquid nitrogen-cooled air fills the chamber to cool the body, treat inflammation, and promote weight loss. Electric cryotherapy machines use electricity to chill the air similar to how an air conditioner works. A nitrogen chamber has a lower cost upfront but requires maintaining a supply of liquid nitrogen. Electric cryotherapy chambers cost more upfront and can incur higher power bills.
For more information, please visit Electric Cryotherapy Chamber.