Written by

Tara Farmer

September 19, 2024

Edited by

Tamatha Hazen

Fact-checked by

Kristen Cramer

Average cost of cryotherapy

A single whole-body cryotherapy session ranges from $50 to $100 for 2 to 4 minutes of full-body exposure to extreme cold temperatures as low as -240°F. A localized cryotherapy session costs $25 to $50 on average to reduce inflammation or promote healing in a targeted area, like a sore muscle or joint.

Cryotherapy prices vary widely depending on the location, type of cryotherapy, and the number of sessions you purchase. Most cryotherapy centers offer first-timer discounts and package deals or membership options that reduce the cost per session, sometimes significantly.

What is cryotherapy?

Cryotherapy refers to the therapeutic use of extremely cold temperatures—often below -200°F—to treat various health conditions. The intense cold triggers physiological responses like raising the core body temperature, releasing anti-inflammatory proteins, and increasing circulation.

There are two main types of cryotherapy:

• Whole body cryotherapy (WBC): The person enters a cryotherapy chamber or cryosauna that surrounds their entire body in extremely cold air for 2 to 4 minutes.

• Localized cryotherapy: Only a specific area of the body is targeted with a cryotherapy wand or cooling machine dispensing cold air.

What is cryotherapy used for?

Cryotherapy has a wide range of potential applications and benefits, and research is ongoing to explore its full potential. However, current evidence is limited and not always conclusive. Discuss cryotherapy with your doctor first to determine if it's suitable for your specific needs.

Some of the most common uses of cryotherapy include:

• Pain management: Cryotherapy may help in managing chronic pain from conditions like arthritis, back pain, migraines, and muscle soreness.

• Injury recovery: Used as far back as 2500 B.C. to treat injuries and inflammation, athletes often use cryotherapy to reduce pain and speed up recovery.

• Skin conditions and tumors: Physicians may use localized cryotherapy to treat certain skin superficial conditions like warts, lesions, and skin tags, or internally to destroy certain cancerous or precancerous tumors.

• Mental health: Some studies suggest cryotherapy may benefit mood disorders like depression and anxiety.

Is cryotherapy safe?

Localized cryotherapy is considered a safe procedure when performed by a trained medical professional. Potential side effects like temporary redness, swelling, or blistering are usually minor. Proper aftercare helps prevent infections or scarring. For most people, cryotherapy risks are low compared to the benefits of removing precancerous growths or lesions.

Proponents say whole-body cryotherapy (WBC), when administered properly in a controlled setting, is generally safe for most healthy adults. However, the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) cautions against WBC due to the limited research and serious potential risks, including frostbite, burns, and eye injuries.

Who should not use cryotherapy?

Individuals with these medical conditions should not undergo whole-body cryotherapy, as it may be unsafe or risky for them.

• Arrhythmia

• Bleeding disorders

• Cardiac pacemaker

• Cardiovascular disease

• Claustrophobia

• Cold allergy

• Fever

• Infection

• Kidney and urinary tract diseases

• Lung disorders

• Peripheral arterial occlusive disease

• Pregnancy

• Raynaud’s Syndrome

• Recent heart attack

• Recent or acute cerebrovascular accident

• Severe anemia

• Severe hypertension

• Tumor disease

• Uncontrolled seizures

• Unstable angina

• Venous thrombosis

Anyone considering cryotherapy must consult their physician to ensure it is appropriate and safe for their individual health status. Also, patients under 18 years old require parental consent for cryotherapy treatment.

Whole-body cryotherapy cost

Whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) costs $50 to $100 for a single session and is the most common type of non-medical cryotherapy. During WBC, you stand inside a special chamber where your entire body is exposed to extremely cold temperatures for 2 to 4 minutes. Many people note the experience leaves them feeling refreshed and energized.

Some WBC machines are single occupancy "cryosaunas" that have an opening for your head and neck to remain out of the machine, while others are walk-in chambers that can hold multiple people per session and where the cold exposure is from head to toe.

Localized cryotherapy cost

Localized cryotherapy is a targeted approach using a handheld device to apply extreme cold to a specific area of the body. The intense cold triggers physiological responses like increasing circulation and releasing anti-inflammatory proteins.

Localized cryotherapy sessions cost $25 to $50 each on average for a 5- to 20-minute treatment aimed at reducing pain or promoting healing in one area, like a sore or injured joint or muscle.

Cryosurgery / cryoablation

Cryosurgery, or cryoablation, is a minimally invasive medical procedure that uses extreme cold to remove or destroy abnormal tissue, with minimal downtime or scarring. The cost of cryosurgery ranges from $100 to $500+ per treatment session on average for most skin conditions.

During cryosurgery, a board-certified physician or dermatologist applies pressurized liquid nitrogen or argon gas to freeze and destroy targeted cells, such as warts, skin tags, precancerous lesions, or even tumors inside the body.

• Cryosurgery targeting internal tumor cells is much more costly, often in the tens of thousands. However, this cost may be less than other more invasive cancer treatment options.

• Some health insurance plans cover medically necessary cryosurgery with copay or coinsurance costs for certain health conditions.

Cryotherapy facials

Some spas and clinics offer cryotherapy facials, a form of localized cryotherapy that uses cold air or a temperature-controlled wand to increase blood flow and circulation to the face, tighten the skin, and give a youthful glow. The results are immediate but temporary, typically lasting up to 3 weeks.

• A cryotherapy facial costs $50 to $300 depending on the location, cryotherapy device used, and session length.

• Some cryotherapy facials last less than 15 minutes, while others may last 30 to 40+ minutes and involve other facial treatments or services.

Cryoskin / CryoSlimming

Cryoskin is an umbrella term encompassing several cryotherapy treatments—Cryoskin facials, CryoSlimming, and CryoToning. These procedures cost $200 to $450 per session on average and use a handheld device developed by Italian medical device company, Pagani, to target different beauty concerns with freezing temperatures.

Advocates claim:

• CryoSlimming freezes and destroys fat cells, which then leave the body naturally through the lymphatic system.

• CryoToning tightens the skin in those areas of fat loss to create a smoother and more sculpted look.

• Cryoskin facials stimulate collagen production and combat the typical signs of aging.

• Cryo T-Shock uses a hot-cold-hot cycle, instead of just extreme cold, to cause a restorative "thermal shock" effect.

CryoSlimming vs. CoolSculpting

While both CryoSlimming and CryoSculpting are patented forms of cryotherapy treatments that freeze and destroy fat cells, leaving the surrounding tissues and nerves undisturbed, they are very different procedures.

• CryoSlimming is a pain-free treatment, often compared to a massage, with no downtime and immediate visible results.

• CoolSculpting costs $500 to $4,000+ per session, depending on the number and size of treatment areas. CoolSculpting uses vacuum-like suction applicator to draw in and freeze the targeted skin and fatty tissue. The treatment itself is mild to uncomfortable, and results take weeks or months to be fully visible.

Factors that affect the cost of cryotherapy

Beyond the type of cryotherapy, other factors influencing price include:

• Geographic location: Cryotherapy centers in major cities or affluent areas tend to charge premium prices compared to smaller towns or rural locations.

• Facility type: Prices are usually higher at high-end spas and wellness centers with additional amenities versus dedicated cryotherapy clinics.

• Machine type: Providers using high-end, state-of-the-art equipment typically charge more. Cryotherapy machines cost $2,000 to $5,000+, while high-quality, whole-body cryotherapy chambers often cost $35,000 to $65,000 or more.

• Number of sessions: Most clinics offer package deals, making additional sessions less expensive per treatment. Monthly and annual membership options are also becoming a popular business model at clinics offering cryotherapy.

• Session length: Longer sessions typically cost more than shorter ones.

• Insurance: Some insurance plans may cover a portion of cryotherapy costs if a doctor deems it medically necessary. Check with your insurance provider to confirm your coverage details.

Cryotherapy FAQs

Does insurance cover cryotherapy?

Most standard insurance plans do not cover cryotherapy if used for general wellness purposes. However, some may provide partial coverage if deemed medically necessary to treat a specific injury or condition by a physician.

If you have a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA), you may be able to use those funds for cryotherapy treatment. Contact your FSA or HAS provider to confirm your specific policy terms.

Does cryotherapy work for weight loss?

While the research is limited, studies show that whole-body cryotherapy may help with weight loss, reducing abdominal fat, and as a supplemental therapy to treat metabolic syndrome. Cryotherapy does not burn fat directly, but exposure to extreme cold helps increase circulation and may speed up your metabolism.

How cold is cryotherapy?

The temperature of cryotherapy sessions varies depending on the type of cryotherapy. The temperature in most whole-body cryotherapy chambers ranges from -150°F to -240°F, depending on the machine and cooling method it uses.

Does cryotherapy hurt?

Most people report that cryotherapy doesn't hurt, although the extreme cold can feel quite intense at first and may cause a temporary stinging, tingling, or prickling feeling, depending on the type of cryotherapy.

What do you wear to cryotherapy?

For whole-body cryotherapy, most providers recommend minimal clothing for maximum benefits. This typically means shorts or shorts and a sports bra. You'll also need gloves, socks, and headwear to protect your fingers, toes, and ears. Most facilities provide these, along with a robe to wear until you enter the chamber.

How often should you do cryotherapy?

How often you should do cryotherapy depends on the type of cryotherapy treatment and your needs and goals. Most cryotherapy centers recommend 2 to 3 sessions per week for whole-body cryotherapy, or more if you're using cryotherapy to help with an injury or pain relief.

"Fat freezing" cryotherapy treatments like Cryoslimming have different protocols depending on the area you're treating, and sessions must be spaced further apart to allow for the frozen fat to be flushed out before the next treatment.

Can you do cryotherapy at home?

You can do some forms of cryotherapy at home, such as using cold compression or ice packs to reduce inflammation or pain. Cryotherapy devices that expose you to extremely cold temperatures should be left to trained and qualified professionals.

How to find the best cryotherapy spa or clinic

Follow these guidelines to ensure you choose a reputable cryotherapy location near you that best fits your needs, goals, and budget:

• Confirm their experience, training, and the type and quality of the equipment they use.

• Check out the facility first to ensure it's clean, well-ventilated, and well-maintained.

• Look for consistently positive reviews from existing or past clients on Thervo and Google.

• Choose a reputable spa or clinic with licensed providers specializing in cryotherapy.

• Ask questions about the treatment options and potential risks or side effects.

• Ask to see before and after photos of past clients who had the same cryotherapy treatment.

Questions to ask a cryotherapy provider

A qualified cryotherapy provider should be comfortable answering these questions and any others you may have:

• What type of cryotherapy equipment do you use? Is it FDA-approved?

• How long have you been offering cryotherapy?

• What training does the staff performing the treatments have?

• What types of cryotherapy treatments do you offer? What are the potential benefits of each?

• What are the temperature settings and duration of sessions? Are these settings backed by research?

• What are the contraindications and potential risks or side effects?

• What safety standards and protocols do you follow?

• Can you provide before-and-after photos or testimonials from previous clients who've done the same treatment here?

• Do you offer any membership options or package deals to lower the cost per session?