Are you feeling sore, stiff, or just a little run down?

You’ve probably heard people talking about cryotherapy, but what exactly is it, and why is it suddenly everywhere?

From easing muscle pain and inflammation to improving mood and skiing tone, cryotherapy is gaining attention as a modern wellness solution with ancient roots.

Keep reading to explore what cryotherapy is, what it’s used for, and whether it’s worth trying for yourself.

 

What is Cryotherapy Treatment?

Cryotherapy is a treatment that works by using extreme cold to destroy abnormal tissues, treat skin conditions or in some cases, target small cancers.

This form of therapy targets the affected area by freezing it with liquid nitrogen. It is also believed to aid in sports recovery by helping athletes to recover faster from muscle strain.

Studies show that cryotherapy can be used to target small cancers and skin cancers by freezing the cancer cells. The treatment can be applied in different ways depending on the type and location of the cancer.

Cryotherapy can be used to treat patients with prostate cancer. Studies have shown that the success rate for patients who treat prostate cancer with cryotherapy is between 76%-90%. Cryotherapy is also popular amongst those with arthritis and muscle soreness, helping to reduce pain and inflammation.

 

Where Does Cryotherapy Come From?

The ancient roots and history of cryotherapy are fascinating!

Cryotherapy dates back to ancient civilisations like the Egyptians and Greeks, who used cold treatments to ease pain, swelling, and inflammation.

The modern form of cryotherapy started in Japan in the 1970s when Dr. Toshima Yamaguchi introduced whole-body cryotherapy as a treatment to relieve pain and stiffness in arthritis patients.

Since then, it’s evolved into a popular wellness treatment, but what exactly is it used for in modern times?

 

What is Cryotherapy Used For?

Cryotherapy isn’t just a buzzword in the wellness world. It’s a powerful tool used to treat a range of conditions, including:

  • Skin conditions: skin tags, warts, sun-damaged skin
  • Cancer treatment: destroys abnormal cells in the kidneys, lungs, prostate, and skin cancer
  • Sports recovery: speeds up muscle recovery and reduces post-workout soreness
  • Pain management: relieves joint and tendon pain, swelling, and inflammation
  • Cosmetic reasons: boosts collagen production, reduces signs of aging, and tones skin

 

Benefits of Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is gaining popularity because it offers a wide range of powerful benefits, all by using the power of cold!

Let’s take a look at some of the benefits that can come with cryotherapy:

  • Reduces Inflammation
  • Relieves pain
  • Aids muscle recovery
  • Treats skin issues
  • Eases migraines
  • Improves mood

 

Is Cryotherapy Safe?

Cryotherapy is generally considered safe, however, it can have its complications. It is minimally invasive and comes with less pain than traditional surgery. There are a few risks that come with cryotherapy, and these include:

  • Bleeding, infection, or nerve damage
  • Swelling
  • Skin damage
  • Scarring
  • Potential numbness if nerves are frozen

Most side effects are mild and temporary. Always consult with a qualified cryotherapy provider before beginning treatment.

 

Should I Get Cryotherapy?

Whether cryotherapy is right for you depends on several factors. You should reach out to a professional regarding your concerns so that they can determine whether it is the best treatment for you.

Cryotherapy is not suitable for pregnant women, nor is it suitable for hypertensive patients or any patient with high blood pressure. If you feel like you may benefit from cryotherapy, then it is something that you should try, as it has a high success rate.

 

Does Cryotherapy Work?

Yes – many studies prove the effectiveness of cryotherapy. However, although it is proven to work in most cases, there still isn’t enough proof, so as of 2025, the FDA has not approved it for most medical uses.

Cryotherapy is effective for most patients, but some people may react differently to treatment, making it less effective. To summarise, numerous studies suggest positive effects on pain reduction and injury recovery from cryotherapy

 

What is Cryoair?

Cryoair is a cold air therapy system that uses precise, extremely cold air to treat pain and inflammation for localised cryotherapy. Typically, this form of cold air therapy is used in sports and wellness settings.

It works by cold air being blown onto the skin with a hose – the cold air then extracts warmth from the body and instantly calms down inflammation.

Cryoair is used as pain relief to treat back pain, rheumatic diseases, and pain from injuries. It can also be used as a form of skin rejuvenation by toning tissues, stimulating collagen production and reducing the signs of ageing. Cryoair is a non-invasive technique and a safe way to get all of the benefits of cryotherapy.

 

Are You Looking to Try Cryotherapy?

Here at Concordia Clinic, we offer localised cryotherapy. Localised cryotherapy is popular amongst athletes to heal injuries from training and promote recovery from strained muscles.

Cold air is cooled down to a temperature of around -60°C and blown onto the specific area of injury. Providing a rush of oxygenated blood to the affected area. This treatment helps to increase the range of motion and works as pain relief. We recommend that you incorporate cold air therapy into your recovery routine, and you can do it here with us at Concordia Clinic.

If you have any questions regarding our Cryoair treatment, please reach out to a member of our team by emailing info@concordiaclinic.com or giving us a call at 07759 367 504, and we’ll be more than happy to help!

FAQs

What Is a Cryotherapy Chamber?

A cryotherapy chamber briefly immerses your entire body in extraordinarily frigid temperatures (typically between -85 and -140 degrees Celsius) for just 2-4 minutes.

Sometimes called a cryosauna, this intense cold exposure triggers your body’s natural responses, potentially reducing inflammation, speeding muscle recovery and offering various wellness benefits.

Is Cryotherapy Good for Arthritis or Joint Pain?

Absolutely! Cryotherapy is an effective and drug-free way to manage arthritis and joint pain.

Cryotherapy significantly lowers skin and muscle temperature, which helps reduce inflammation and numb sore areas, providing near-instant relief.

Many people with arthritis report improved mobility and reduced stiffness after just a few sessions. This makes cryotherapy an attractive option for those wanting to stay active, mobile and pain-free without the side effects of medication.

If you’re tired of living with joint pain, cryotherapy could be a game-changer.

Can Cryotherapy Help With Mood or Mental Health?

Yes, and the results are fascinating! During a cryotherapy session, your body releases feel-good chemicals like endorphins that boost mood and relieve stress.

For some people, cryotherapy feels like a natural ‘reset button’ for their mental state. Research suggests that cryotherapy may help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression by stimulating the nervous system and improving circulation.

It’s not a replacement for mental health treatment, but it can be a powerful tool within a wider self-care routine.

Is Localised Cryotherapy Different From Whole-Body Cryotherapy?

Yes – and each has its own unique benefits. The different types of cryotherapy include:

  • Localised cryotherapy focuses on a specific area of the body. Ideal for treating targeted issues like joint pain, inflammation or sports injuries. Using a device like Cryoair, cold air is directed exactly where it’s needed – fast, efficient, and highly effective.
  • Whole-body cryotherapy involves stepping into a chamber where your entire body is exposed to extreme cold. This is typically used for overall recovery, systemic inflammation reduction, and mood improvement.
How Often Should I Do Cryotherapy Sessions?

How often you book a cryotherapy session depends on your goals.

  • For athletic recovery or chronic pain, 2-3 sessions a week can help you see noticeable results quickly.
  • If you’re using cryotherapy to manage skin conditions, inflammation or mood, weekly treatments may be sufficient.
  • For general wellness and maintenance, even one session every few weeks can offer lasting benefits.

Consistency is key. Our team at Concordia Clinic will tailor a plan that suits your lifestyle and health goals. Don’t wait – your recovery and revitalisation could start today.