Localized Cryotherapy is a targeted cold treatment that uses a handheld device to deliver a stream of super-cooled air directly to a specific area of the body. Unlike Whole Body Cryotherapy, which cools the entire body, localized treatments focus on one area—like the knee, shoulder, back, or face—to rapidly reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and accelerate recovery. Sessions typically last 5–12 minutes and are guided by a trained cryo therapist who monitors skin temperature and comfort for precision, safety, and maximum results.

Localized Cryotherapy works by rapidly cooling the targeted area, causing your blood vessels to constrict (a process called vasoconstriction). This temporarily limits blood flow to the injured or inflamed tissue, which reduces swelling and pain. Once the area begins to warm back up, your blood vessels dilate again (vasodilation), sending fresh, oxygen-rich blood and nutrients to the area. This process helps flush out toxins, reduce inflammatory markers, and accelerate natural healing—giving you faster relief and improved recovery where your body needs it most.

A Localized Cryotherapy session typically lasts between 5 to 12 minutes, depending on the size and location of the area being treated. Smaller areas like the wrist or ankle may take closer to 5 minutes, while larger muscle groups such as the back or thighs may require up to 12 minutes. Your cryo therapist will monitor skin temperature and comfort throughout to ensure the treatment is both safe and effective.

Before your Localized Cryotherapy session, there’s no special preparation required—just make sure the area being treated is clean, dry, and free of lotions, oils, or makeup. You’ll also need to remove any metal jewelry or piercings near the treatment site. Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the targeted area. Your cryo therapist will provide any additional instructions and make sure you’re fully prepared before starting the treatment.

For your Localized Cryotherapy treatment, wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area being treated—for example, shorts for legs, a tank top for shoulders, or a sports bra for the upper back. The treatment area must be completely clean, dry, and free of any lotions, oils, or metal jewelry. Depending on which body part is targeted, your cryo therapist may provide a robe or towel for coverage and comfort. Localized Cryotherapy is a quick, non-invasive session, so no special outfit is required—just wear something that helps your therapist easily reach the treatment zone.

The ideal frequency for Localized Cryotherapy depends on your goals and the condition being treated. For acute injuries or inflammation, sessions can be done daily or every other day for the first week to speed up recovery and reduce pain. For chronic pain, muscle tension, or performance recovery, most clients benefit from 2–3 sessions per week, then transition to maintenance sessions once or twice weekly. Your cryo therapist at GOAT Wellness will tailor a plan based on your specific needs to keep your body performing—and recovering—at its best.

It depends on your goals. Whole Body Cryotherapy delivers a systemic response—boosting circulation, reducing inflammation throughout the entire body, and enhancing overall recovery and performance. It’s ideal for athletes, active individuals, or anyone looking to improve energy, sleep, and recovery speed.

Localized Cryotherapy, on the other hand, targets a specific area—like a sore knee, shoulder, or lower back—to provide fast, focused relief and reduce inflammation where it’s needed most.

Many clients at GOAT Wellness use both: Whole Body Cryo for total-body recovery and Localized Cryo for precision healing on problem areas. Together, they deliver next-level results that help you recover faster, perform stronger, and feel legendary.

No—Localized Cryotherapy isn’t painful. You’ll feel an intense cold sensation on the skin, similar to holding an ice pack, but without the wet or burning discomfort. Most clients describe it as refreshing or invigorating rather than painful. The temperature is carefully monitored by your cryo therapist to ensure safety and comfort throughout the session. Any temporary redness or tingling afterward is normal and fades within minutes, leaving the area feeling lighter, looser, and recharged.

Localized Cryotherapy is safe for most people, but it may not be recommended for individuals with certain medical conditions. You should avoid treatment if you have severe Raynaud’s disease, uncontrolled hypertension, poor circulation, open wounds, or cold allergies (cold urticaria). Those who are pregnant, have severe cardiovascular disorders, or recently underwent surgery should also consult their doctor before booking.

At GOAT Wellness, every session is supervised by trained cryo specialists who assess your health history to ensure treatment is safe, effective, and customized for your needs.

Absolutely. Localized Cryotherapy pairs perfectly with other recovery and wellness treatments for amplified results. Many clients at GOAT Wellness stack it with:

• Whole Body Cryotherapy for total-body recovery and systemic inflammation reduction

• Endosphères Therapy for enhanced circulation, lymphatic drainage, and muscle repair

• Infrared Sauna for deep detoxification and improved blood flow after cold exposure

• Normatec Compression to accelerate recovery and reduce soreness post-treatment

Combining Localized Cryo with these modalities creates a powerful contrast effect—flushing inflammation, boosting oxygen delivery, and speeding healing so you recover faster and perform at your peak.

After a heavy workout, post‑injury flare‑up, or any time your body’s screaming for relief. Early appointment = early dominance.

— Learn more or book at GOAT Wellness Chicago, the city’s #1 performance recovery and body optimization studio for Localized Cryotherapy.

Many clients notice relief immediately after their first Localized Cryotherapy session—including reduced pain, less swelling, and improved mobility in the treated area. For more chronic inflammation or ongoing recovery goals, the benefits typically build progressively over several sessions as circulation improves and inflammation subsides. Most people feel the full effects after a series of 3–6 treatments, depending on the condition being addressed. Consistency is key—the more regularly you chill, the faster your body rebounds and performs at its best.

Localized Cryotherapy can target virtually any area of the body that’s inflamed, sore, or in need of recovery. Common treatment zones include the neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, back, hips, glutes, thighs, knees, calves, ankles, and feet. It’s also used for facial rejuvenation (as a CryoFacial) to reduce puffiness, tighten skin, and boost circulation.

At GOAT Wellness, your cryo therapist will tailor the session to your specific goals—whether it’s relieving pain, speeding post-workout recovery, or reducing swelling after an injury—so the cold works exactly where you need it most.

Yes—Localized Cryotherapy can be used for facial rejuvenation, but at GOAT Wellness, we take it a step further with our dedicated CryoFacial treatment, designed specifically for the face. Both use controlled cold air to tighten skin, reduce puffiness, shrink pores, and stimulate collagen production, giving your complexion a smoother, more lifted, and refreshed appearance.

If your goal is facial toning or under-eye rejuvenation, the CryoFacial offers a more specialized approach and delivers superior results compared to standard localized cryo. It’s the ultimate chill for your skin—safe, non-invasive, and instantly revitalizing.

Yes—Localized Cryotherapy is completely safe when performed by a trained professional. At GOAT Wellness, every session is administered by certified cryo therapists who monitor skin temperature, distance, and exposure time throughout the treatment. The equipment uses controlled nitrogen-cooled air directed only to the targeted area, never directly on the skin long enough to cause harm.

Mild redness or tingling immediately afterward is normal and fades within minutes. When used properly, Localized Cryotherapy is a non-invasive, drug-free, and science-backed way to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and accelerate recovery safely and effectively.

While both aim to reduce inflammation and pain, Localized Cryotherapy is far more advanced and effective than traditional icing. Ice packs can only cool the surface of the skin and often cause discomfort, numbness, or even skin irritation from prolonged contact.

Localized Cryotherapy, on the other hand, uses a precisely controlled stream of super-cooled air that rapidly lowers the skin’s temperature within seconds—triggering a deeper, faster physiological response. This process reduces inflammation, increases circulation, and accelerates healing without the stiffness or tissue damage that can occur from ice.

In short: icing numbs—Localized Cryo heals. It’s a smarter, safer, and more powerful way to recover.

You can work out immediately after your Localized Cryotherapy session—in fact, many athletes and fitness enthusiasts at GOAT Wellness use it as part of their pre- or post-workout recovery routine.

After treatment, the targeted area often feels looser, lighter, and less inflamed, making it easier to move and train. If you’re using Localized Cryo to recover from an injury or soreness, it’s smart to start with light movement and listen to your body’s response. Whether you’re warming up for performance or cooling down after a grind, Localized Cryotherapy helps you bounce back faster and stay game-ready.

Yes—Localized Cryotherapy can safely be done daily, especially when targeting acute pain, inflammation, or post-injury recovery. Because treatments are short, controlled, and non-invasive, daily sessions can help accelerate healing and maintain reduced inflammation in the affected area.

Many clients at GOAT Wellness use daily or near-daily sessions during the first phase of recovery, then shift to 2–3 times per week for maintenance and performance optimization. Your cryo therapist will guide you on the ideal frequency based on your goals and how your body responds.