What is cryotherapy?

Your body is exposed to a temperature of -110°C. It takes no more than 3 minutes, but the effect is spectacular. The cold stimulus activates physiological processes in the body. Viruses are combated, blood circulation is stimulated and both your immune system and metabolism get a boost. The whole body scans itself for poorly functioning parts and heals itself rapidly.

When will I benefit from cryotherapy?

The treatment can be used as a supporting therapy and has proven to be effective in remedying (chronic) pain, itching, inflammation and sports injuries. Whole Body Cryo also works as an effective rejuvenation cure. The use of cryotherapy after an operation is quite common. It accelerates the healing process, and fights the pain, without the often adverse side effects of many medications. Professional athletes recover faster and perform better when cryotherapy is applied.

Where does cryotherapy originate?

Cryotherapy was developed in Japan in 1978 to treat rheumatism with nitrogen. Later, European researchers further developed the method. This is how Whole Body Cryo (WBC) came into existence, a method to expose the whole body – including the head – to extreme cold. Today, cryotherapy is widely accepted. It is not without reason that in countries like Germany and France some health insurers already reimburse the treatment.

How does cryotherapy work?

You step into the chamber with minimal clothing (slippers, socks, gloves and shorts/top, facemask and headband). At -110˚C, the temperature at the surface of your skin drops close to freezing. This is the cue for the receptors in the skin (nerve endings) to start sending signals to the central nervous system, telling it that the body is in danger.

Your body will immediately activate all kinds of processes. Your blood circulation will improve, and the production of serotonin and endorphins (natural painkillers and feel-good substances) and natural anti-inflammatories will be set into motion. Toxins and metabolism residues are immediately disposed of by the stronger flow of oxygen and nutrient-rich blood. The body scans itself for poorly functioning parts, which are healed. This means the body activates itself, and sets recovery procedures into motion.

Is it a safe therapy?

Cryotherapy has been safely used for over 30 years. Always follow the instructions when undergoing the therapy: make sure you are completely dry when you step into the chamber (no wet socks or clothing), and cover sensitive body parts with a facemask, earmuffs, gloves, and socks or slippers.
Ensure no metallic clothing parts touch your skin. Do not wear any jewellery or piercings during the treatment (rings, necklaces, bracelets or anklets). Also, pay close attention to the contraindications.

What are the risks of cryotherapy?

Cryotherapy is a relatively risk-free treatment. Blood pressure can rise, but this is temporary. There are a number of exceptions for which you cannot use the therapy.

Protective clothing, such as socks, gloves, headband, earmuffs, underwear, swimwear and sportswear, must be properly dry. This will prevent you from getting frostbite.

Will you feel extremely cold?

A temperature of -110˚C seems cold. Remember, however, that the air in the chamber is extremely dry. Therefore, you do not really experience the cold as unpleasant. Additionally the process only takes 3 minutes, which is perfectly bearable for most in practice.

What is the difference between our Artic Chamber and a cryosauna?

A cryosauna works with nitrogen in with you in order to reach a temperature of -180°C. When using nitrogen, you cannot expose your head to the cold, even though this is where 30% of all your cold receptors are located. Also, the temperature distribution in this type of chamber is not uniform: the nitrogen quickly sinks downward.
In an Artic Chamber, piping equipment ensures the temperature is maintained at -110°C. The whole chamber is subject to a stable, uniform temperature, which increases the effect of the treatment.

How many treatments should I get?

The exact number depends on your symptoms. As a standard, we use the rule of thumb that it is best to start with 10 or 20 treatments within a short period of time. This helps the body reset and readjust itself. After that, we generally recommend a few treatments per week, for maintenance. However, not everyone is the same. For example, if you are a professional athlete it can be best to come once (or twice) daily, to enhance strength and endurance but also support the recovery from training. When you suffer from rheumatism, it can be best to come 2 to 3 weeks every day (or twice a day, if possible). This usually results in 9 to 12 months of reduced pain.

How can it be that people also feel better mentally?

With each treatment, endorphins and serotonin are released, which are the substances that lead to us having more energy and being in a good mood. It is a feeling that can last for days.

Can I get a cold from cryotherapy?

You cannot get a cold. In the extreme cold, your body temperature temporarily increases. Your immune system is stimulated. There is a good chance that you will notice that, in the future, you are much less susceptible to colds: your immune system will have been strengthened.

What can I do if I do not feel well during the treatment?

When you suddenly feel unwell while you are in the chamber, or when you are starting to panic, you can stop the treatment at any time by simply leaving the chamber. The doors are not locked, they are closed with magnets, and you can leave whenever you want.

Should I take a shower before or after the treatment?

Showering before the treatment is not necessary, dry skin is actually preferred. During the treatment your body stays dry, so taking a shower afterwards is not necessary either. You can get dressed straight after the treatment.

Are there any circumstances in which cryotherapy treatment should not be applied

There are situations where you have to forgo a WBC session. The contraindication list is as follows:

Pregnancy
Moderately or severely elevated blood pressure (blood pressure above 180/95 mmHg)
An acute heart attack, or a heart attack within the past 6 months
Unstable angina pectoris: chest pain that occurs without direct cause and will not simply cease by itself (imminent heart attack)
Cardiac arrhythmias
Cardiovascular diseases in which symptoms are present
A pacemaker
Intermittent claudication (also called peripheral arterial disease)
Venous thrombosis: a blood clot in the veins
Acute cerebral haemorrhage or a stroke in the past
Epileptic seizures
Raynaud’s phenomenon
Fever
Cancer
Lung conditions in which symptoms are present
Bleeding disorders
Severe anaemia
Claustrophobia (fear of small or confined spaces)
Cold allergy
Persons younger than 18 years old
Acute kidney diseases and acute disorders of the urinary tract

How can cryotherapy affect rheumatic/arthritic complaints?

Cryotherapy cannot cure rheumatism/arthritis. However, it can certainly help to alleviate some of the pain. A course of 10 to 20 treatments in rapid succession will have much effect. Patients notice that the pain is reduced greatly, even months after the treatments.

Can I work out immediately after cryotherapy treatment?

You can certainly work out immediately after treatment, it is actually preferable: 10 minutes of light effort immediately after treatment stimulates your circulation. This means cryotherapy will have a longer-lasting effect.

What should I wear during the treatment?

The treatment is most effective when as much skin as possible is exposed. Only the extremities require protection.

Gentlemen: wear swimwear or sports shorts, your socks and slippers will be provided by us.
Ladies: wear swimwear or sports shorts and a top, your socks and slippers will be provided by us.

Do I need to think of anything else?

Please make sure no metal clothing parts can touch your skin directly.
Do not wear any jewellery or piercings during the treatment (rings, necklaces, bracelets or anklets).
You will receive a pair of gloves, a disposable facemask and earmuffs from us to protect fingers, ears and nose.
Do you have hypersensitive skin? We can also provide protectors for your underarms, since these areas are extra sensitive due to the thinner skin.
Do not shower before the treatment, and take care to ensure you are properly dry before you enter the chamber.
Do not use any creams, lotions, perfumes or oils on the skin before the treatment.

What can you do to stop during the session?

If you are experiencing any pain during the session, or if you are suffering from anything else, stop the treatment immediately. You can leave the chamber at any time. The doors of the chamber are closed with magnets. You can easily open these yourself. For your safety, an operator will always be watching through the large window in the chamber. You will always have eye contact, and the operator will ask whether you are feeling OK every 30 seconds.

What about liability?

You will understand that we accept no liability for any resulting consequences if you are not (properly) aware of your health situation, or if you are unable to undergo treatment because you have a condition listed on our contraindications list and failed to inform us. We are also not responsible if you have failed to consult your doctor prior to a session.

Additional information

Please be aware that it is mandatory to wear protective clothing such as a facemask, headband, gloves, socks and slippers throughout the session.
All clothing should be properly dry to prevent injuries due to frostbite.
Wearing any kind of jewellery in the chamber is forbidden, as are metal components in your clothing.
Instructions given by the operator should always be followed immediately.

What should I pay attention to when I’m in the chamber?

Make sure not to touch the chamber walls.
Pay close attention to the operator through the window. Always follow his or her instructions.
The operator will indicate how much time has passed every 30 seconds, through the intercom.
The operator will also regularly ask you whether you’re still feeling OK. If so, please give the thumbs up.
If at some point you do not feel well, you can immediately leave the chamber through the door. Please ensure the door is properly closed behind you.

What happens after the treatment?

When the operator informs you that the session is over, please open the first door to the antechamber.
It is normal for the skin to be red just after treatment, and to feel a tingling sensation throughout the body.
After the session, you can take a seat in the room and then get changed back into your clothes when ready.
You can find more information about cryotherapy in the salon.

Will I be able to see results immediately after a Whole Body Cryo session?

You will feel good immediately after the treatment. It will seem as though you have more energy, and you actually do! During the session, endorphins and serotonin are released; these substances will cause you to feel good and energised. You may even find yourself suffering less from (muscle) pain. This varies from person to person; it also depends on your physical condition. You may also notice more flexibility. Did you come to improve your appearance? Keep in mind that a few sessions will be necessary for skin tightening, weight loss and cellulite reduction.