Whole body cryotherapy (WBC) has become a trending health and beauty procedure in recent years. Many centers now offer WBC sessions, promoted through discount sites like Groupon and Living Social. It’s also available as a “CryoBeauty Facial” on apps like ClassPass. WBC promises a wide range of benefits, including pain relief, reduced inflammation, and quicker recovery after injury. Users also claim it helps with sore muscles, weight loss, and mood improvement.
In addition, WBC is said to treat conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, and rheumatoid arthritis. It is even marketed as a beauty aid to reduce pore size and wrinkles.
The Lack of Research Behind WBC
Despite its rising popularity, research on WBC’s effectiveness is limited. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has issued a statement that does not support WBC. The procedure remains unapproved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for medical treatment. No study has conclusively proven that WBC delivers the advertised health or beauty benefits.
Cold Therapy’s Historical Roots
Cold therapy isn’t new. Many cultures have used cold treatments for health benefits for centuries. Turkish, Russian, Finnish, Roman, and Chinese spas use cold baths after heat therapy. These baths aim to alter circulation and promote detoxification. Athletes routinely use ice baths and ice packs to reduce inflammation after games or injuries. So, what makes WBC different?
How WBC Works
In a typical WBC session, individuals enter a chamber chilled to minus 200°F. Sessions last between 2 and 4 minutes. The body is exposed to extreme cold, with most participants wearing minimal clothing. This cold exposure is believed to trigger physiological responses like reduced inflammation and faster healing.
Reported Complications and Risks
While many people report no issues, WBC is not without risk. A Finnish study cited by the AAD found that 16% of people experienced mild frostbite. In 2011, Olympic sprinter Justin Gatlin suffered frostbite on both feet after a WBC session. Other reported incidents include:
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A woman in Dallas suffered a frozen arm after a 3-minute session.
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She experienced painful swelling, blisters, and third-degree burns.
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A staff member died from suffocation in a cryotherapy tank in 2015.
Other complications include cold panniculitis, eye injuries, and temporary memory loss.
Cryotherapy’s Role in Dermatology
Cryotherapy, when used locally by dermatologists, is generally safe. It treats warts, actinic keratoses, and other benign skin growths. However, post-inflammatory pigmentation can occur, especially in people with darker skin. Cryotherapy may also damage melanocytes, leading to depigmentation. This risk should be considered with WBC, which uses more extreme temperatures on the whole body.
A Balanced Perspective on WBC
Though the medical and aesthetic benefits of WBC remain unproven, some people report feeling better after treatment. In some cases, such as after laser treatments, patients have found relief from discomfort using cold therapy. As with any procedure, individual experience plays a large role in perceived benefits.
Risks and Informed Consent
WBC presents definite risks. It should only be performed under safe and informed conditions. Patients should be fully aware of the potential complications. Some individuals, such as those with blood clots, smoking histories, or autoimmune conditions, may be at greater risk. A medical history should be thoroughly reviewed by the practitioner.
Facilities offering WBC should have protocols in place for managing complications. Clear guidelines are needed to protect patients and ensure safe practice.
The Need for Regulation and Oversight
WBC should not be advertised with unproven claims. False marketing misinforms consumers and may lead to harm. Other non-medical treatments, like microneedling and vitamin drips, also require scrutiny. Better regulation of WBC is necessary for safe and effective use. Practitioners must prioritize patient safety, and medical histories should be carefully considered.
In conclusion, WBC can have potential benefits, but it should be done with caution. Clear evidence and regulation are needed before it can be widely recommended. If done responsibly, it may offer relief, but patients should always be well-informed.
