Used as early as the 17th century, Cryotherapy is the general use of low temperatures in medical therapy. The term “cryotherapy” comes from the Greek word cryo meaning cold, and therapy meaning cure.
At Huntington Beach’s CoastCryo Health and its Whole Body Cryotherapy (WBC) process; In which you are placed in a cryogenic chamber for a short period of time ranging from one-and-a-half-minutes to three-minutes and your body is exposed to ultra-low temperatures (-150°F). The process significantly lowers your skin surface temperature and stimulates receptors, thus triggering a Central Nervous System reaction and causing the release of endorphins. This therapeutic procedure was first used in Japan as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis in 1978. Since then, studies conducted in Europe have established WBC as a powerful restorative technique for treating injuries and reducing inflammation.
Although WBC originated in Japan, it was a group of Polish scientists who built on the idea and turned Whole Body Cryotherapy into the physical therapy solution it is today. In May 2000, the Olympic rehabilitation center opened in Spala, Poland has been used as an injury rehabilitation and training center for many world class athletes. Today, professional athletes around the world have come to find that WBC is an effective method to lessen recovery time and enhance athletic performance.
In the CryoChamber, you are protected with gloves, socks and slippers. Clothing worn during the treatment is minimal. For women coverings are optional while men must be covered with cotton underwear to protect their genitals. The CryoChamber is lowered to a temperature of –150 °F. During the 1.5-minute to 3-minute session, your average skin temperature will drop to 50°F (10°C), while the coldest your skin temperature can get is 32°F (0°C). Your core body temperature will remain unchanged during the WBC process. However, it may drop slightly after the therapy session for a brief period.