Whole-body cryotherapy is a 2–3 minute session in a chamber cooled to roughly -110°C to -160°C. The brief, dry cold triggers vasoconstriction, then vasodilation and an anti-inflammatory response, which is why it is used for exercise recovery and general wellness. At Skin Art MD in Burnaby, a health screening decides whether it is suitable.
At Skin Art MD, cryotherapy is part of physician-led aesthetic and wellness care in Burnaby, BC. Whether you are an athlete thinking about recovery or a professional seeking a mental and physical reset, understanding how cryotherapy is increasingly used for recovery and wellness is the first step toward a more vibrant you. Learn more about Cryotherapy and how it can be tailored to your specific health goals.
Where Did Whole-Body Cryotherapy Come From?
Modern whole-body cryotherapy was developed in Japan in the late 1970s to treat rheumatoid arthritis, and it has since been adopted for exercise recovery and wellness.
While the concept of cold therapy dates back to the ancient Egyptians, the modern application of Whole Body Cryotherapy (WBC) was developed in the late 1970s in Japan. Originally designed to treat rheumatoid arthritis, the technology has evolved significantly. Today, cryotherapy uses controlled, ultra-low temperatures to trigger the body’s natural responses to cold.
At Skin Art MD, cryotherapy is offered in a medically supervised environment in Burnaby, with a health screening before the first session.
How Does Cryotherapy Work?
The science of cryotherapy is rooted in a process called "hormesis"—a biological phenomenon where a brief exposure to a stressor (in this case, extreme cold) triggers a beneficial adaptive response. When you enter a cryotherapy chamber, the skin’s surface temperature drops rapidly. This sends an immediate signal to the brain, which initiates a systemic "survival mode."
- Vasoconstriction: Blood is redirected from the extremities to the core to protect vital organs, becoming enriched with oxygen, enzymes, and nutrients.
- Anti-inflammatory Response: The body may release anti-inflammatory proteins and endorphins, which can help reduce systemic inflammation and alleviate pain.
- Vasodilation: Upon exiting the chamber, the nutrient-rich blood rushes back to the skin and muscles, potentially accelerating tissue repair and providing a natural energy boost.
The warm, flushed feeling as blood returns to the skin after a session is sometimes called the "cryo-glow". Book a Consultation to find out whether this treatment is suitable for you.
How Does Cryotherapy Compare With CoolSculpting and Ice Baths?
Whole-body cryotherapy is a short, dry, whole-body cold exposure aimed at recovery and wellness; CoolSculpting is a longer, targeted cooling treatment for localized fat; an ice bath is wet cold used for muscle soreness.
When considering cryotherapy Burnaby, many clients ask how it compares to other popular treatments like CoolSculpting or traditional ice baths. While they all use cold, their applications differ significantly.
| Feature | Whole Body Cryotherapy | CoolSculpting (Cryolipolysis) | Traditional Ice Bath |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Systemic recovery, wellness, metabolic boost | Targeted fat reduction | Muscle soreness relief |
| Duration | 2–3 minutes | 35–60 minutes | 10–20 minutes |
| Temperature | -110°C to -160°C | Controlled cooling to freeze fat | 10°C to 15°C |
| Experience | Dry, invigorating cold | Targeted numbing/suction | Wet, intense cold |
| Recovery | Same day | Usually same-day return | Same day |
Is Cryotherapy Covered by Insurance, and How Is It Priced?
Cryotherapy for aesthetic or general wellness purposes is elective and generally not covered by provincial health plans or private insurance; pricing depends on the plan set at your assessment.
A common question we hear is, "is cryotherapy expensive?" The answer depends on your goals and the type of treatment you choose. It helps to distinguish between boutique wellness centres and physician-led medical clinics, where health screening and medical oversight are part of the visit.
One frequently asked question is, "is cryotherapy covered by insurance?" Generally, cryotherapy for aesthetic or general wellness purposes is considered an elective treatment and is not covered by standard provincial health plans or private insurance. However, if you are seeking cryotherapy cost for warts or other specific medical dermatological conditions, coverage may vary. We recommend checking with your provider.
Because treatment plans are personalized, please contact us for current pricing. Our team can explain the options based on your specific needs, whether you are considering a single session or a series.
What Does Physician-Led Cryotherapy in Burnaby Involve?
At Skin Art MD in Burnaby, cryotherapy is overseen by medical professionals, follows a health screening, and can be considered alongside other skin or body treatments within a personalized plan:
- Physician-Led Care: Our treatments are overseen by medical professionals who prioritize your safety and ensure that cryotherapy is appropriate for your health profile.
- Equipment: We use professional cryotherapy systems designed with safety and comfort in mind.
- Personalized Treatment Plans: We don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Your cryotherapy sessions are integrated into a broader plan that may include skin health, body contouring, or injectable treatments.
- Bilingual Service: To better serve our diverse Burnaby and Greater Vancouver community, our staff is fully bilingual in English and Chinese (Mandarin/Cantonese).
Book a Consultation to find out whether cryotherapy is suitable for you.
What Happens During a Cryotherapy Session?
A session involves a health screening, protective gear, two to three minutes in the chamber with a trained technician present, and a warm, tingling feeling afterward as circulation returns.
If you are new to cryotherapy Burnaby, here is a step-by-step guide to your first visit at Skin Art MD:
- Consultation: We begin with a thorough health screening to ensure you have no contraindications.
- Preparation: You will be provided with protective gear, including gloves, socks, and ear protection, to protect your extremities from the cold.
- The Chamber: You will enter the cryotherapy chamber for a duration of 2 to 3 minutes. A trained technician will be with you the entire time, communicating with you to ensure your comfort.
- Post-Treatment: After exiting, you will likely feel a sense of warmth and tingling as your blood circulation increases. You may feel energized afterward; individual experiences vary.
What Do People Commonly Ask About Cryotherapy?
Common questions cover stubborn fat, catching a cold, implants, how the treatment was developed, its goals and benefits, and how it is priced.
1. Does cryotherapy help with stubborn abdominal fat?
Whole-body cryotherapy is not a fat-loss treatment. Stubborn abdominal fat is addressed by targeted treatments such as CoolSculpting, which works differently. During your consultation, a physician assessment decides which approach, if any, is suitable.
2. Can I book appointments online?
Yes. Appointments at Skin Art MD, including consultations for wellness and injectable treatments, can be booked online. Book a Consultation to get started.
3. Can I catch a cold from whole-body cryotherapy?
Because cryotherapy is a "dry" cold and lasts only a few minutes, it does not lower your core body temperature to the point of causing a cold.
4. I have metal or plastic implants in my body can i do cryotherapy?
This is a critical safety question. Generally, internal metal or plastic implants (like hip replacements or breast implants) are safe for cryotherapy because the cold does not penetrate deep enough to affect them. However, any external metal (jewelry, piercings) must be removed. We will review your specific medical history during your initial assessment.
5. How and why was whole body cryotherapy developed?
Whole Body Cryotherapy was developed in 1978 in Japan to treat rheumatoid arthritis. He found that the extreme cold helped manage joint pain and inflammation in his patients. Since then, the technology has been adopted by athletes and wellness enthusiasts worldwide.
6. What are the goals of treatment?
The goals of cryotherapy at Skin Art MD are to help manage inflammation, support muscle recovery after exercise, and support general wellness.
7. What expected benefits will this provide to the patient?
Patients may experience reduced muscle soreness, improved sleep quality, increased energy levels, and a more radiant complexion. Individual results depend on the frequency of treatment and the person’s overall health.
8. How is cryotherapy usually scheduled?
Some people choose a single session after an intense athletic event; others prefer regular sessions. The plan is set at your assessment — contact us for current pricing.
How Do I Book a Cryotherapy Assessment in Burnaby?
You can book a consultation at Skin Art MD in Burnaby Metrotown, where a health screening comes first and a physician assessment decides whether cryotherapy is suitable for you.
Book a consultation — available in English and Chinese.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional before undergoing any treatment. Individual results may vary, and cryotherapy may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions, such as Raynaud's disease, severe hypertension, or heart conditions.
