Cryotherapy—a brief, controlled exposure of the body, or part of the body, to ultra-low temperatures—has become a popular way to reduce inflammation and pain associated with overworked muscles and sports injuries. Amy Milligan, owner of CRYO850, in Destin, says whole-body cryotherapy is based on the same science as the traditional ice bath. 

“It’s designed to significantly lower your body-surface temperature in just three minutes,” she says. “While an ice bath chills the tissue to increase blood flow and release endorphins, cryotherapy tricks the nervous system into the same response. The result is the same.”

Of course modern cryotherapy is much more sophisticated, and that’s especially true of the technology used at CRYO850. The “Emerald Coast Igloo,” as Milligan fondly refers to her cryotherapy chamber, is the only one in North Florida that uses electricity rather than liquid nitrogen for refrigeration. The effect is more even cooling of the body with no risk of nitrogen burns, and re-oxygenation of the brain for a mental “reset,” she says.

Milligan says the physiological response to this super-cooling is immediate: The metabolism speeds up and blood vessels rapidly constrict, sending blood from peripheral tissues to the core, to regulate body temperature. Then the body’s natural filtration system kicks in, expelling toxins and inflammatory agents in the blood. After the session, as the body warms, highly oxygenated blood flows back into the brain and extremities. The body releases adrenaline, endorphins and norepinephrine, reducing pain and providing a burst of euphoric energy.

There’s also a more prolonged, nuanced response, Milligan says. “As the process of restoration occurs over the next 48 hours, range of motion increases, depleted energy levels are replaced, and antioxidant levels expedite the body’s natural ability to heal. The body and the brain are reset.”

 CRYO850 also offers localized cryotherapy—the more sophisticated equivalent of an ice pack—to treat one specific area of pain or inflammation. While a standalone treatment will bring results, localized cryotherapy used in tandem with a whole-body session brings “exponential healing”, Milligan says

Beyond Athletic Recovery

When cryotherapy is built into a health and wellness regimen, its benefits extend beyond the realm of sports therapy, Healthline reports. Clinical evidence suggests that it can reduce migraine symptoms, ease anxiety and depression, relieve arthritis pain and treat some dermatological conditions. There are also ongoing clinical studies to determine whether cryotherapy might help prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Milligan notes two more popular benefits: a revved-up metabolism and rejuvenated skin. Clients burn between 500 and 800 calories per session, she says, plus super-cooling stimulates collagen and elastin, the two most important components of a healthy, youthful complexion.

Other Natural Therapies

In addition to its namesake treatment, CRYO850 offers a lineup of additional high-tech natural therapies. Among them are the Joov Red Light Therapy and Sunlighten Infrared Sauna, both of which are designed to harness the healing power of red light to produce a variety of physical, emotional and cognitive benefits.

According to studies published by the National Institutes of Health, infrared light exposure stops the body’s production of cytokine, which causes inflammation; boosts circulation and formation of new capillaries, to aid healing; and stimulates the production of collagen and new cells, for healthier skin. Red-light therapy is also proven to help with better-quality sleep, Milligan says. 

Aother complementary treatment CRYO850 offers is whole-body vibration therapy (WBV), which has also been shown in clinical studies to reduce inflammation and is beneficial for joint and spinal alignment, she says. Researchers at Augusta University have found scientific evidence that WBV accomplishes this by stimulating production of a certain gut bacterium known to have anti-inflammatory properties.

For people with leg, hip or shoulder pain, a NormaTec Sequential Pulse Compression session at CRYO850 can facilitate recovery, Milligan says. Compression can also be used to enhance circulation and lymphatic drainage. 

In response to the pandemic, CRYO850 has changed membership to provide access to the full line up of performance and recovery services.

Cryotherapy Aesthetic Services

 CRYO850 also offers cryotherapy as part of the Pagani Body Contouring System, a noninvasive esthetic treatment that involves applying alternating heat and ultra-low temperatures directly to the skin. 

The technology is used for eliminating toxic, subcutaneous brown fat, reducing cellulite, and tightening loose skin on areas like the chin, arms and legs 

The Pagani Cinderella is a one-off treatment designed to create brief but dramatic change for a special event or photo session, Milligan says. Cold applications are used to tighten the skin and boost collagen and elastin, in order to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for 24 to 48 hours.  

The Pagani Cryo T-Shock Facial uses the same technology, but it’s applied in a series of treatments scheduled every three to four days, to create semi-permanent improvement to the skin. 

“The same technology is also used for muscle recovery for both acute injury and longstanding muscle pain,” Milligan says. Finally, to help clients track their fitness progress, CRYO850 has a 3D Body Composition Scanner, which generates a weight reading, a digital image indicating lean and fat body mass (BMI percentage), and nine key measurements from shoulder to lower thigh.

Location: 4495 Furling Ln., Ste. 10, Destin, FL. For more information, call 850-279-4145 or visit Cryo850.com.