How Cryotherapy Helps Reduce Inflammation

Inflammation is one of the most common reasons people experience pain, stiffness, and slower recovery. Whether it stems from exercise, stress, injury, or a chronic condition, inflammation can make daily movement and physical performance feel harder than it should. Whole-body cryotherapy is a treatment that uses controlled cold exposure to help calm inflammation and support the body’s natural healing processes. Here’s how it works and why many people find it beneficial.

What Is Whole-Body Cryotherapy?

Whole-body cryotherapy involves stepping into a cryotherapy chamber where the air is cooled to temperatures between –100°F and –220°F. Sessions are short—typically 2 to 3 minutes—but the rapid cold exposure creates several physiological responses that can help reduce inflammation throughout the body.

This treatment is non-invasive, quick, and well-tolerated by most individuals.

Understanding Inflammation

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to stress or injury. It helps protect tissues and initiate healing, but when inflammation becomes prolonged or excessive, it can lead to discomfort, reduced mobility, and slower recovery.

Common signs of inflammation include:

• swelling

• stiffness

• joint sensitivity

• muscle soreness

• a general “heavy” or fatigued feeling

Cryotherapy is used to help regulate these responses and support faster recovery.

How Cryotherapy Reduces Inflammation

1. Vasoconstriction and Circulation Changes

   Cold exposure causes the blood vessels near the skin to temporarily constrict. This shift directs blood toward the body’s core, where it becomes enriched with oxygen and nutrients. When the session ends and the body warms up, circulation increases again, helping deliver this nutrient-rich blood back to muscles and joints.This cycle can help reduce swelling and support tissue repair.

2. Decreased Inflammatory Activity

   Cryotherapy has been shown to reduce inflammatory markers such as cytokines, which are linked to pain, swelling, and stiffness. Lowering these markers can help calm overactive inflammation and create a more balanced healing environment.

3. Reduced Pain and Improved Mobility

   Many clients experience a temporary reduction in pain following a cryotherapy session. This can be due to decreased inflammation, changes in nerve activity, and improved blood flow. For people managing chronic soreness or joint discomfort, this relief can make daily movement feel easier.

   
   

4. Endorphin and Nervous System Response

   Cold exposure can stimulate the release of endorphins—your body’s natural pain-relieving and mood-boosting chemicals. This contributes to an overall sense of well-being and can help reduce the perception of discomfort.

Who May Benefit From Cryotherapy?

Cryotherapy may be helpful for individuals experiencing:

• inflammation from exercise or overuse

• chronic inflammation

• joint discomfort

• delayed recovery after training

• general soreness or stiffness

• lifestyle-related inflammation (stress, long hours sitting, etc.)

It’s used by both athletes and individuals simply looking to feel more comfortable in their bodies.

How Often Should You Use Cryotherapy for Inflammation?

For inflammation, many people start with 2–3 sessions per week until symptoms begin to improve. After that, maintenance sessions can range from once weekly to a few times per month depending on activity level and personal goals.

Consistency generally leads to the best results.

Combining Cryotherapy With Other Recovery Modalities

Cryotherapy can be even more effective when paired with other treatments. Many individuals choose to combine it with:

• Infrared sauna to support circulation and detoxification

• Endosphères Therapy for lymphatic stimulation

• Normatec compression for swelling and muscle recovery

• Localized cryotherapy for targeted inflammation relief

These modalities work well together because each supports a different aspect of the body’s recovery process.

Is Cryotherapy Safe?

Cryotherapy is safe for most people when performed in a professional setting. However, individuals with certain conditions—such as uncontrolled hypertension, severe cardiovascular issues, Raynaud’s disease, or cold sensitivity—should consult a medical provider before beginning treatment.

During every session at GOAT Wellness, your technician monitors you to ensure comfort and safety.

Why Clients Choose GOAT Wellness for Cryotherapy

At GOAT Wellness, cryotherapy is provided in a controlled, supportive environment where the focus is on safety, effectiveness, and long-term results. Our team helps you understand what to expect, guides you through each session, and ensures the treatment aligns with your recovery or wellness goals.

Ready to Support Your Recovery and Reduce Inflammation?

If inflammation is affecting your comfort, mobility, or performance, cryotherapy may be a helpful tool in your recovery plan. You can book a Whole-Body Cryotherapy session directly through our website or reach out with any questions about whether it may be right for you.

Cryotherapy for Inflammation: Frequently Asked Questions

How does whole-body cryotherapy reduce inflammation?

Whole-body cryotherapy reduces inflammation by exposing the body to extremely cold temperatures, which triggers vasoconstriction, decreases inflammatory cytokines, and improves circulation once the body warms. These physiological responses help calm acute and chronic inflammation and support faster tissue recovery.

Is cryotherapy effective for chronic inflammation?

Yes. Cryotherapy is frequently used to help manage chronic inflammation by lowering inflammatory markers, reducing swelling, and improving overall mobility. Many individuals with long-term inflammation notice relief after consistent whole-body cryotherapy sessions.

How many cryotherapy sessions are recommended for inflammation relief?

For inflammation, most people benefit from 2–3 whole-body cryotherapy sessions per week initially. Many begin noticing reduced inflammation, soreness, and stiffness within the first 3–5 visits. Maintenance sessions can be done weekly depending on symptoms and activity level.

Can cryotherapy help with inflammation from exercise or sports training?

Yes. Whole-body cryotherapy is commonly used by athletes to reduce post-exercise inflammation, minimize soreness, and support muscle recovery. The rapid cold exposure helps calm inflammatory responses associated with heavy training, overuse, or repetitive impact.

Does cryotherapy help joint inflammation or arthritis-related inflammation?

Cryotherapy can be helpful for joint inflammation by reducing swelling, improving blood flow, and temporarily increasing range of motion. Many clients with arthritis or joint discomfort report meaningful relief after cryotherapy sessions.

Is cryotherapy safe for people with inflammation-related conditions?

Cryotherapy is generally safe for most people when performed in a controlled environment. Individuals with uncontrolled high blood pressure, significant cardiovascular conditions, Raynaud’s disease, or cold sensitivity should consult their healthcare provider before trying whole-body cryotherapy for inflammation.

How quickly can I expect inflammation relief after cryotherapy?

Some individuals feel reduced inflammation, improved mobility, and less soreness immediately or within a few hours after treatment. For chronic inflammation, consistent cryotherapy sessions often provide the most notable long-term benefits.

Is cryotherapy more effective than an ice bath for inflammation?

Whole-body cryotherapy cools the body faster and more evenly than an ice bath, allowing for deeper physiological effects with greater comfort. Many people find cryotherapy more efficient and effective for reducing inflammation and speeding recovery.

Can cryotherapy help reduce systemic inflammation caused by stress or lifestyle factors?

Yes. Whole-body cryotherapy may help lower systemic inflammation associated with chronic stress, poor sleep, or high physical demand. The treatment supports improved circulation, reduced inflammatory activity, and enhanced overall well-being.

Should cryotherapy be combined with other treatments for inflammation relief?

Cryotherapy can be even more effective when combined with complementary recovery treatments such as infrared sauna, lymphatic drainage therapy (Endosphères), Normatec compression, or localized cryotherapy. These modalities work together to reduce inflammation, support detoxification, and promote faster healing.