Cryotherapy Benefits: What Happens to Your Body Minute by Minute

If you’ve ever wondered what really happens inside your body during a cryotherapy session, you’re not alone. Whole body cryotherapy has become one of the fastest-growing recovery and wellness treatments, and for good reason! In just 3 minutes in a cryotherapy chamber, your body goes through powerful physiological changes that can leave you feeling energized, less sore, and more balanced for hours afterward.

Let’s break it down, minute by minute.

Minute 1: The Cold Shock Response

When you first step into the cryotherapy chamber, your skin temperature drops quickly. This triggers vasoconstriction - the narrowing of blood vessels - which directs blood flow away from your skin and extremities toward your core organs.

👉 Think of it as your body going into protective mode, prioritizing your heart, lungs, and brain.

At the same time, your body begins releasing norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter known to reduce pain sensitivity and improve focus. This is one reason cryotherapy feels both calming and invigorating.

Minute 2: Endorphins and Energy Surge

By the second minute, your body enters full “fight or flight” mode. Stress hormones like adrenaline are released, increasing alertness and energy. Alongside this, your body produces endorphins - your natural mood boosters.

👉 Translation: cryotherapy not only reduces pain but can also leave you feeling euphoric, energized, and ready to take on your day.

Minute 3: Oxygen-Rich Circulation

In the final minute, your blood becomes super-oxygenated and enriched with nutrients and anti-inflammatory compounds. Anti-inflammatory proteins such as cytokines begin working to reduce swelling and promote muscle recovery.

👉 It’s like your blood is “charging up” to deliver healing support once you step out of the cryotherapy tank.

Muscles begin to loosen as inflammation calms, making cryotherapy an ideal tool for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone managing chronic pain.

After the Session: Benefits That Last for Hours

Once your session ends, the rewarming phase begins. This process, called vasodilation, pushes freshly oxygenated blood back through your skin, muscles, and joints.

Over the next 6–8 hours, you may experience:

• Reduced inflammation and less joint stiffness

• Accelerated muscle recovery after exercise

• Improved circulation and oxygen delivery

• Elevated mood and mental clarity from endorphins

• Better sleep quality as your nervous system resets

👉 Cryotherapy benefits don’t stop when you step out of the chamber - they continue working long after your session.

Why Cryotherapy Is More Than Just Cold

Whole body cryotherapy may last only 3 minutes, but the benefits ripple throughout your day. From reduced inflammation and faster recovery to a natural mood lift and energy boost, this treatment is like a full body reset.

Would you spend 3 minutes in the cold for hours of wellness benefits?

If you’re ready to experience cryotherapy for yourself, book a session at TherAnnu Restorative Spa!

*For informational purposes only. No material on this page is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.