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Why People Are Freezing Themselves in Cryotherapy Chambers?


Why People Are Freezing Themselves in Cryotherapy Chambers: Science, Benefits, and Risks

If you’ve seen athletes, influencers, or health enthusiasts stepping into chambers that look like something out of a sci-fi movie — and coming out shivering — you’ve probably witnessed cryotherapy. This practice, which involves exposing the body to extremely cold temperatures for short periods, has been gaining popularity in sports recovery centers, wellness spas, and even home setups.

But why are people willingly freezing themselves at temperatures as low as -200°F (-129°C)? Let’s dive into what cryotherapy is, the science behind it, potential benefits, and important risks you should know.

What Is Cryotherapy?

Cryotherapy literally means “cold therapy.” In modern wellness, the most popular form is whole-body cryotherapy (WBC), where a person enters a chamber cooled by liquid nitrogen or refrigerated air for 2–4 minutes (Cleveland Clinic).

Cryotherapy isn’t new. Cold exposure has been used for centuries to reduce pain and inflammation. Ancient Egyptians applied cold compresses for injuries, and athletes have long used ice baths. Whole-body cryotherapy takes this to the next level with controlled, ultra-cold environments.


Why People Do It: Claimed Benefits

Enthusiasts and some health professionals believe cryotherapy offers a range of benefits — from pain relief to mood boosts. Here’s what the research says.

1. Reduced Muscle Soreness and Faster Recovery

Athletes often use cryotherapy after intense workouts or games to speed up muscle recovery. The cold causes vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels), which may reduce inflammation and swelling, followed by vasodilation when you warm up, helping to flush out metabolic waste (NCBI).

2. Pain Management

People with chronic pain conditions such as arthritis or fibromyalgia have reported temporary relief after cryotherapy sessions. The intense cold may reduce nerve activity, lowering pain signals to the brain (Arthritis Foundation).

3. Reduced Inflammation

Inflammation is the body’s natural defense mechanism, but chronic inflammation is linked to conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Cryotherapy may lower markers of inflammation, though more high-quality studies are needed to confirm long-term effects (PubMed).

4. Mental Health and Mood

Cold exposure may increase endorphin release and boost norepinephrine levels in the brain, leading to improved mood and reduced anxiety in some people. Small studies suggest potential benefits for depression symptoms, but it’s not a replacement for professional mental health treatment (NIH).

5. Possible Metabolism Boost

The cold forces the body to work harder to maintain its core temperature, potentially burning extra calories. Some claim cryotherapy may stimulate brown fat activation, which burns energy to generate heat. However, calorie-burning effects are minimal compared to exercise (Harvard Health).

What Happens Inside a Cryotherapy Chamber?

A typical whole-body cryotherapy session looks like this:

  1. You change into minimal clothing — often shorts and a sports bra (for women) — plus gloves, socks, and slippers to protect extremities.

  2. You step into a cylindrical or walk-in chamber cooled by liquid nitrogen vapor or refrigerated cold air.

  3. The temperature drops rapidly, sometimes to -200°F (-129°C).

  4. You stay inside for 2–4 minutes — any longer can be dangerous.

  5. After the session, you warm up gradually.

Is Cryotherapy Safe?

When performed under supervision, cryotherapy is generally considered safe for healthy individuals. However, there are risks and people with certain health conditions should avoid it.

Possible side effects:

  • Temporary redness or numbness

  • Tingling sensations

  • Lightheadedness

  • Frostbite (rare, but possible if skin is exposed too long)

Avoid cryotherapy if you have:

  • Severe hypertension

  • Heart disease

  • Respiratory issues

  • Raynaud’s disease

  • Poor circulation or neuropathy (Cleveland Clinic)

What Does Science Really Say?

While anecdotal reports and early research are promising, many scientists stress that cryotherapy is not a miracle cure. Studies often have small sample sizes and mixed results.

A 2015 review in the Cochrane Database found that whole-body cryotherapy may reduce soreness after exercise, but the evidence quality was low (Cochrane Library). More rigorous, long-term studies are needed to confirm most of the claimed health benefits.

How Much Does It Cost?

Cryotherapy sessions typically cost $25–$60 per session, with packages reducing the per-session price. Some high-end gyms and recovery centers include it as part of their membership perks.

Alternatives to Cryotherapy

If you’re not ready to step into a freezing chamber, you can try:

  • Ice baths – Cheaper and accessible, though less comfortable.

  • Cold showers – Gradual adaptation to cold exposure.

  • Localized cryotherapy – Targeting a specific body area with cold packs or devices.

The Bottom Line

People are freezing themselves in cryotherapy chambers hoping to gain faster recovery, reduced pain, better mood, and overall wellness benefits. While science supports some of these claims — particularly for reducing soreness and inflammation — much of the hype still outweighs the evidence.

If you’re curious, cryotherapy can be a safe, energizing experience when done correctly and with professional guidance. But it’s not a replacement for proven health practices like regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep.

References:

  1. Cleveland Clinic – Cryotherapy: Uses, Benefits, and Risks

  2. NCBI – Effect of Cryotherapy on Recovery

  3. Arthritis Foundation – Cold Therapy for Arthritis

  4. PubMed – Inflammatory Markers and Cryotherapy

  5. NIH – Cryotherapy and Mood

  6. Harvard Health – The Cold Hard Facts About Brown Fat

  7. Cochrane Library – Whole Body Cryotherapy for Recovery

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