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Cryotherapy: What It Is and What to Expect
September 27, 2026 2 min read
Short answer: Cryotherapy means using extreme cold, usually brief exposure to very cold air or vapor. The main types are whole-body chambers, local cryotherapy devices that cool one area, and handheld systems. It differs from a cold plunge, which uses cold water. The FDA has warned that whole-body cryotherapy lacks evidence for treating medical conditions, and the equipment we carry is generally aimed at professional use.
Last reviewed: September 2026. Educational only, not medical advice. See our disclaimer. Cryotherapy is also a term for freezing tissue in a medical setting, which is a different procedure.
Types and what we carry
| Type | What it is | Products |
|---|---|---|
| Whole-body chamber | Standing or seated in a chamber of very cold air for a few minutes | Vacuactivus CryoStar and Antarctica, Cryomed MINI, One Ultra, Pro Ultra and IceChill, Cryo Innovations XR Cryo Chamber Lite and Kiosk |
| Local cryotherapy | Cold air or vapor directed at one area | Vacuactivus Iceberg machines (25L, 50L, electric), Cryomed CF-05 Cryofan |
| Handheld CO₂ | Portable devices using CO₂ | America Cryo Subzero Handheld, Cryo Innovations XR ISO Handheld |
| Rollers and contouring | Cold-based body shaping devices | Vacuactivus Iceberg Cryonick Roller and Roller Mini, Cryo Innovations InstaSculpting Ultra HD3 |
| Hot and cold capsules | Combined systems | Vacuactivus HotCRYO Chamber, VacuStar Treadmill and InfraStar Bike |
See every listing with prices in Every Cold Plunge and Cryotherapy Product We Carry.
What a session involves
- A trained operator manages the equipment, and you are told how to prepare.
- You wear dry protective gear, such as gloves, socks and footwear, so skin is not exposed to moisture.
- Exposure is brief, often a few minutes, with an operator watching throughout.
- Warming up afterward is part of the process.
Follow each manufacturer's procedure, which sets the temperature, time and safety checks.
Risks to know
- Frostbite and cold burns from skin contact or moisture.
- Oxygen displacement in nitrogen-based systems, which is why ventilation and oxygen monitoring matter.
- Strain on the heart and circulation.
- People with heart, circulation, nerve or cold-related conditions should ask a doctor first.
How it compares with a cold plunge
A cold plunge is more accessible, costs less and suits home use. See whole-body cryotherapy vs. cold plunge.
Frequently asked questions
What is cryotherapy?
Using extreme cold, usually brief exposure to very cold air or vapor, either across the whole body in a chamber or on a specific area.
Is cryotherapy safe?
It carries real risks, including frostbite and oxygen displacement with nitrogen. It should be run by trained operators, and people with certain conditions should ask a doctor first.
Read the Cold Plunge and Cryotherapy Guide or ask our team about commercial equipment.