Who Should Avoid Cryotherapy?
Key Takeaways:
Individuals with Certain Cardiovascular Conditions Should Avoid Cryotherapy: Uncontrolled high blood pressure and heart disease can be exacerbated by the body's response to extreme cold.
People with Poor Circulation or Cold-Related Sensitivities Are at Higher Risk: Conditions like Raynaud's disease and cold urticaria can make cryotherapy unsafe due to the body's reaction to cold temperatures.
Pregnancy and Nerve Disorders are Contraindications for Cryotherapy: The unknown effects on pregnancy and the potential for undetected frostbite in those with neuropathy make cryotherapy inadvisable.
It's Crucial to Debunk Myths and Recognize Cryotherapy's Potential Risks: Despite its popularity, cryotherapy involves extreme temperatures that can pose dangers if precautions aren't taken, especially for those with underlying conditions.
Consulting a Healthcare Professional is Essential Before Trying Cryotherapy if You Have Any Health Concerns: Individuals with pre-existing conditions or a history of adverse reactions to cold should seek medical advice to determine if cryotherapy is safe for them.
Cryotherapy has become a widely popular option for recovery, inflammation control, and overall wellness. From athletes looking for muscle recovery to individuals managing chronic pain, the benefits of full-body cryotherapy are well known. But despite the growing number of people searching “cryo near me” for treatment options, cryotherapy is not suitable for everyone.
Understanding what cryotherapy does — and who may be at risk from exposure to extremely low cryotherapy temperatures — is essential for ensuring safe and effective treatment. In this article, we’ll explore who should avoid cryotherapy, why certain health conditions require extra caution, and how contrast therapy might offer a safer alternative.
When Cryotherapy May Not Be the Right Choice
Whole body cryotherapy involves exposing the body to temperatures between -200°F and -300°F, which can place physiological stress on the body. While most healthy individuals tolerate it well, some medical conditions can increase the risk of complications.
Conditions That May Worsen with Cryotherapy
Uncontrolled high blood pressure: Cryotherapy can cause blood vessels to constrict, raising blood pressure temporarily.
Heart disease or arrhythmias: Sudden cold exposure may place stress on the cardiovascular system.
Poor circulation or Raynaud’s disease: Reduced blood flow can make extreme cold temperatures unsafe.
Nerve disorders or neuropathy: Lack of sensation may prevent you from detecting frostbite or injury.
Pregnancy: Due to the unknown effects of cryotherapy temperature changes, pregnant individuals are advised to avoid full-body cryotherapy.
Cold-related allergies or urticaria: Those with known reactions to cold temperatures should avoid cryotherapy altogether.
If any of these apply to you, it’s best to speak with a healthcare professional before beginning any cryotherapy treatment.
What Cryotherapy Does to the Body
To better understand who should avoid it, it helps to know what cryotherapy does on a physiological level. Full-body cryotherapy initiates a stress response in the body by rapidly lowering the skin temperature, which can provide health benefits — but also pose risks in some cases.
Key Reactions from Whole Body Cryotherapy
Vasoconstriction is followed by vasodilation, impacting blood flow and pressure.
Hormonal release, such as norepinephrine and endorphins, that affects mood and metabolism.
Numbness and reduced skin sensitivity during treatment, which can obscure early signs of injury.
Respiratory system activation, especially in cold-sensitive individuals.
While these reactions offer many of the positive benefits of cryotherapy, they can also be triggers for individuals with cardiovascular or respiratory vulnerabilities.
Common Myths About Cryotherapy Safety
Because cryo chambers are offered in gyms, wellness centers, and spas, there’s a common belief that cryotherapy is safe for everyone. However, the reality is more nuanced, especially for those with underlying medical conditions.
Debunking Common Safety Misconceptions
“It’s just cold air—how dangerous can it be?”
– In reality, cryotherapy temperatures are so extreme that frostbite is a legitimate risk if precautions aren’t taken.“You don’t stay in long, so it’s fine.”
– While most sessions last 2–3 minutes, the body’s response is immediate and intense, which may be too much for some people.“If athletes use it, it must be safe.”
– Elite athletes are often medically screened and closely monitored, which isn’t the case in many general-use facilities.
These misconceptions can lead to unnecessary risk, especially for first-time users who skip consultation.
Safer Alternatives to Cryotherapy for At-Risk Individuals
If you’re concerned about tolerating whole body cryotherapy, there are gentler options that still deliver recovery benefits.
Try These Alternatives Instead
Contrast therapy: Alternating between warm and cold treatments can boost circulation and recovery without extreme temperature shifts.
Localized cryotherapy: A safer choice for individuals who only need to treat a specific area.
Cold compresses or mild cold water therapy: Useful for reducing swelling or managing inflammation.
Infrared sauna therapy: Offers relaxation and inflammation reduction through heat instead of cold.
If you’re unsure whether full-body cryotherapy is appropriate, these options provide access to recovery tools with fewer health risks.
How to Determine If Cryotherapy Is Right for You
If you’ve been searching “cryo near me” but aren’t sure whether it’s safe, here’s a quick guide to help you decide.
Ask Yourself the Following Questions:
Do I have any heart, nerve, or respiratory conditions?
Have I ever reacted poorly to cold environments or cold therapy?
Am I pregnant or trying to conceive?
Do I feel faint or dizzy easily in temperature extremes?
Has a medical professional advised me to avoid cold therapy?
If you answered yes to any of these, consult your physician before booking a cryotherapy treatment.
When Cryotherapy May Be Safe, With Modifications
Some people who are borderline contraindicated can still benefit from cryotherapy if adjustments are made.
Modified Approaches Include:
Use lower-intensity cryotherapy temperature settings when available.
Shorter session durations to minimize systemic stress.
Use of localized treatment over full-body exposure.
Close monitoring during and after the session, especially for first-time users.
Facilities that offer medical oversight or custom protocols are best suited for clients with special considerations.
Know When to Skip Cryotherapy
While cryotherapy offers a host of benefits — especially for pain relief, recovery, and athletic performance — it’s not the right choice for everyone. Individuals with certain medical risks, cold sensitivities, or circulatory issues should proceed with caution or explore alternative therapies like contrast therapy.
Understanding what cryotherapy does, the impact of cryotherapy temperatures, and how your body might respond can help you make a well-informed decision. Your health and safety should always come first.
Choose a Safe and Customized Cryotherapy for Every Body
If you’re exploring full-body cryotherapy but have questions about safety, the team at PauseStudio is here to help. We offer personalized cryotherapy treatments and contrast therapy options tailored to your wellness profile.
Book a consultation today and learn how to enjoy cryotherapy — safely and effectively.