What Are the Benefits of Cryotherapy?

Cryotherapy is a short, controlled exposure to extremely cold temperatures that may help support recovery, reduce muscle soreness and promote a feeling of wellbeing. Whole-body cryotherapy uses temperatures below -100°C for only a few minutes.

At The Good Practice in Radlett, Hertfordshire, our patients can experience a state-of-the-art cryotherapy chamber from Germany, reaching -110°C for just three minutes. You are provided with the appropriate clothing and gloves and the treatment is under medical supervision. For more information, visit cryotherapy near me.

‍

‍

What are the benefits of using cryotherapy or a hyperbaric chamber?

Cryotherapy is becoming increasingly popular with people looking for new ways to support their health, fitness and recovery from professional athletes to everyday patients. While research is still developing, studies have identified a number of potential benefits including:

• Supporting muscle recovery
• Reducing muscle soreness
• Supporting the body's inflammatory response
• Promoting relaxation and wellbeing
• Supporting an active lifestyle

‍

Using cryotherapy to support muscle recovery

One of the main reasons people try cryotherapy is to support recovery following exercise.

Exposure to very cold temperatures causes blood vessels near the skin to constrict. Once the session is over and the body warms up again, circulation changes. These responses are one of the reasons cryotherapy has attracted interest among athletes and people who exercise regularly.

Research into whole-body cryotherapy has found potential improvements in subjective recovery following exercise, although the evidence is still developing. A review of 16 studies found that muscle pain was reduced in 80% of the studies examined. (Source: PMC)

‍

Using cryotherapy to reduce muscle soreness

Muscle soreness after exercise can make everyday movement uncomfortable and may affect your next training session.

Cryotherapy is often used as part of a wider recovery routine, particularly after demanding exercise. The extreme cold may temporarily reduce the sensation of muscle soreness, helping people feel more comfortable following physical activity.

It is important to recognise that research is not conclusive. A Cochrane review found some evidence that whole-body cryotherapy may reduce muscle soreness, but concluded that the overall evidence was too limited and uncertain to confirm its effectiveness.

‍

Using cryotherapy to support the inflammatory response

Inflammation is a normal part of the body's response to physical stress and exercise. However, managing recovery after strenuous activity is an important consideration for many active people.

A 2025 meta-analysis looked at 11 randomised controlled trials involving 274 participants and found that whole-body cryotherapy may influence inflammatory markers, including reductions in the pro-inflammatory marker IL-1β. The researchers also highlighted the need for further research. (Source: Research Gate)

This suggests cryotherapy could have a role as part of a broader approach to recovery, rather than being viewed as a standalone treatment.

‍

Using cryotherapy to promote wellbeing

Some people use cryotherapy because they enjoy how they feel afterwards. The short, intense experience can leave people feeling refreshed and energised, while incorporating a few minutes of dedicated time into a busy routine.

Research into cryotherapy and mental health is still preliminary. One systematic review and meta-analysis included 10 studies and 294 participants and found promising results, particularly around depressive symptoms and quality of life. However, the authors stressed that larger, higher-quality trials are needed.

‍

Can cryotherapy be used for professional athletes?

Yes. Cryotherapy is increasingly used by professional athletes as part of a wider recovery routine including:

• Footballers
• Rugby players
• Marathon runners
• Weightlifters
• Swimmers
• Gymnasts
• Mixed martial arts and cage fighters

‍

Athletes put their bodies under significant physical stress through training and competition, so finding efficient ways to manage muscle soreness and support recovery is important. Whole-body cryotherapy can be incorporated into a training programme alongside physiotherapy, mobility work, nutrition and rest. It is not a replacement for medical treatment or rehabilitation, but some athletes use it as a complementary recovery option, particularly during periods of intensive training or competition.

‍

Can cryotherapy be used to help with tiredness and fatigue?

Some people report feeling refreshed and energised following a cryotherapy session, which is one reason it has become popular among people with busy lifestyles as well as athletes.

The intense but short exposure to cold can create a strong physiological response and may leave you feeling more alert afterwards. However, cryotherapy should not be considered a treatment for unexplained or persistent fatigue. Ongoing tiredness can have many possible causes, including poor sleep, stress, nutritional deficiencies or underlying health conditions, so it is important to speak to a healthcare professional if fatigue is persistent or affecting your daily life.

‍

‍

The Good Practice - A modern approach to recovery

Cryotherapy is not designed to replace medical treatment, physiotherapy or advice from a qualified healthcare professional. Instead, it can be considered as one option within a wider approach to health, fitness and recovery.

At The Good Practice, whole-body cryotherapy forms part of a modern wellness offering alongside services including red light therapy.

For people interested in trying cryotherapy, the three-minute session at -110°C offers an efficient way to experience the treatment without spending a long time in extreme cold. As with any treatment involving very low temperatures, it is important to discuss suitability with a healthcare professional if you have an underlying medical condition or concerns about whether cryotherapy is appropriate for you.

For more information, you can visit our GP practice in Radlett, call us today on 01923 850 999 or book an appointment online.

‍