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

The two main types of cryotherapy are:

• Whole body cryotherapy (WBC): You enter a cryotherapy chamber or cryosauna and your entire body is exposed to the extremely cold air, usually for about 2 to 4 minutes.
• Localized cryotherapy: This cryotherapy method targets a specific area of the body using a cryotherapy wand or cooling machine dispensing cold air.

Cryotherapy costs $50 to $100 per session on average for a 2-to-4-minute experience of full-body exposure to temperatures as cold as -240°F, also known as whole-body cryotherapy. Many cryotherapy centers offer package deals that significantly lower the cost per session.

Localized cryotherapy that targets a specific area of the body has varying costs depending on the specific focus or issue:

• A treatment with the goal of reducing inflammation and promote healing to an injured joint or muscle area costs $25 to $50 per session.
• Cryotherapy to remove skin tags, warts, or other legions costs $100 to $200 on average.
• A cryotherapy facial costs $50 to $300 for a 10 to 30+ minute facial to increase blood flow and circulation to the face for a more youthful glow.
• CryoSlimming, a patented "fat freezing" form of cryotherapy, costs $250 to $450 per session on average.

CoolSculpting costs $500 to $4,000+ per session, depending on the number and size of the areas you want to treat. The total cost to treat one area is $2,000 to $4,500 on average but can be as low as $400 or as high as $12,000+ in some cases.

CoolSculpting is a patented form of "fat freezing" cryotherapy that uses a suction applicator to draw in and freeze the targeted area's skin and fatty tissue. The frozen fat dies, and is eventually eliminated from the body. Results range from 10% to 25% fat cell reduction in the treated area, but they take several weeks or months to be fully visible.

Localized cryotherapy is considered safe when performed by a qualified medical professional. Potential side effects, usually minor and temporary, include redness, swelling, or blistering. Many people feel the benefits of removing precancerous growths or lesions outweigh the potential risks of medical cryotherapy procedures.

Advocates claim that whole-body cryotherapy (WBC), is generally safe for most healthy adults, provided it's administered properly in a controlled setting by qualified staff. However, the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) cautions against this type of cryotherapy due to the limited scientific research and the serious potential health risks, which include frostbite, burns, and eye injuries.

Anyone considering cryotherapy must consult their doctor first to ensure it is appropriate and safe for them. Individuals under 18 years old also need parental consent to get cryotherapy treatment. 

People with any of the following medical conditions should not undergo whole-body cryotherapy, as it may be unsafe or problematic:

• 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

Extreme cold can feel quite intense at first and may cause a temporary stinging, tingling, or prickling feeling, depending on the type of cryotherapy. Most people report that cryotherapy doesn't hurt, but everyone is different. Some people find the intense cold invigorating and energizing, while others may not enjoy it as much.

Medical, localized cryotherapy to remove skin lesions may cause more discomfort for some than a whole-body session due to the focused stream of extreme cold to one area of the body.

Most insurance companies do not cover cryotherapy when it's used for general wellness. However, some insurance policies may partially cover it if a doctor determines it's medically necessary to treat a specific condition or injury.

You may be able to use funds from a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) for cryotherapy treatment. Contact your FSA or HAS provider to confirm the terms of your specific policy.

Some studies show that whole-body cryotherapy may help with weight loss, reducing belly fat, and to treat metabolic syndrome when used as a supplemental therapy. Cryotherapy itself does not burn fat, but extreme cold exposure helps increase circulation in the body and may speed up your metabolism. Still, the research is limited, and the treatment is not safe for everyone, so proceed with caution.

The temperature of cryotherapy sessions varies depending on the type. Most whole-body cryotherapy chambers range in temperature from -150°F to -240°F, depending on the machine and its cooling method.

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 CoolSculpting and Cryoslimming have different treatment protocols depending on the area you're targeting. For this type of cryotherapy, sessions must be spaced further apart to allow for the frozen fat to be flushed out before the next treatment.

Follow these tips to help you choose a qualified cryotherapy provider that aligns with your needs, goals, and budget:

• Confirm their training, experience level, and the type of equipment they use.
• Check out the facility beforehand to make sure it's clean and well-maintained.
• Look for positive reviews on sites like Thervo and Google.
• Select a reputable clinic or spa with licensed providers specializing in cryotherapy.
• Ask questions about the treatment options, as well as the potential risks or side effects.
• If you're looking for Cryofacials or "fat freezing" treatments, ask to see before and after photos of past clients who had the same cryotherapy treatment.

Ask these important questions to ensure you choose a well-qualified cryotherapy provider:

• What type of equipment do you use? Is it FDA-approved?
• How long have you been offering cryotherapy treatment?
• How are the staff performing the treatments trained?
• What cryotherapy treatments do you offer? What are the potential benefits of each? 
• What are the temperature settings and length of the sessions? Are these settings backed by any scientific research?
• What are the contraindications and potential risks or side effects for each treatment?
• What safety standards and protocols do you follow?
• Can you provide before-and-after photos or testimonials from clients who've done the same treatment here?
• Do you offer any package deals or membership options to lower the cost per session?