The session begins with patient preparation: removing jewelry and metal objects, and putting on a special suit (socks, gloves, ear and nose protection). The patient enters the cryogenic chamber, where the temperature rapidly drops to -120…-160°C. The procedure lasts between 100 and 180 seconds, during which the body is exposed to extremely low temperatures without disrupting functional or energy mechanisms.
CRYOSAUNA
Cryosauna, also known as aerocryotherapy (ACT), is one of the most modern and effective therapeutic methods in physiotherapy and rehabilitative medicine. Far from being just a “cold therapy,” cryosauna represents a unique procedure in which the body is exposed, for a short time, to extremely low temperatures, triggering complex mechanisms of regeneration, balance, and self-healing.
What is Cryosauna?
Cryosauna is a therapeutic method based on exposing the body to very low temperatures, between –110°C and –180°C, for short periods of time (100–180 seconds). This exposure does not affect vital functions and does not cause tissue damage, but it intensely activates the body’s adaptive mechanisms.
Unlike other cold-based therapies, cryosauna stimulates not only the thermoregulation system but also complex axes such as:
▪️ the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal system,
▪️ the immune system,
▪️ the endocrine system,
▪️ neuro-reflex mechanisms.
Thus, cryosauna can be seen as a global training for the body, helping it to respond more efficiently to physiological and pathological stressors.
How Does Cold Therapy Work?
During a cryosauna session, the patient enters a special cabin where the body (excluding the head) is exposed to cold, dry air at temperatures up to –180°C.
❄️ Mechanism of Action:
▪️ Heat loss from the body surface occurs extremely rapidly.
▪️ The body responds by mobilizing all its physiological resources.
▪️ Circulation, hormonal systems, anti-inflammatory and regenerative mechanisms are activated.
▪️ Short-term discomfort may occur due to rapid cooling, but the procedure is safe and well tolerated.
This general “alert” of the organism leads to a series of complex benefits, both physically and psycho-emotionally.
Benefits of Cryosauna
Cryosauna has wide applicability, with proven results in various fields of medicine, sports, and rehabilitation.
General Benefits:
▪️ Activates natural regeneration and balancing mechanisms.
▪️ Improves microcirculation and tissue oxygenation.
▪️ Stimulates immunity and endocrine response.
▪️ Reduces inflammation and pain.
▪️ Enhances psycho-emotional state and sleep quality.
▪️ Promotes calorie burning (150–200 kcal per session, up to 3,000 kcal between sessions).
▪️ Supports weight loss and cellulite reduction.
In addition to aerocryotherapy sessions, which stimulate microcirculation, reduce inflammation and promote muscle recovery, complementary therapies such as Deep Oscillation, ozone therapy and oxygen therapy can be used to enhance anti-edematous, immunomodulatory and detoxifying effects, contributing to the rapid recovery of athletes and reducing pain in acute or chronic trauma.
Medical and Therapeutic Indications:
▪️ Dermatology: atopic dermatitis, seborrhea, rosacea.
▪️ Neurology: multiple sclerosis, migraines, Parkinsonism, cerebral palsy, neuropathies.
▪️ Rheumatology and Orthopedics: osteochondrosis, arthritis, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, radiculopathies.
▪️ Gynecology: infertility, endometriosis, climacteric syndrome, toxicosis prevention.
▪️ Pulmonology: bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, chronic pneumonia.
▪️ Sports Medicine: recovery from injuries, competition preparation, increased endurance and athletic performance.
▪️ Burns: first aid and adjuvant treatment, reducing necrosis and edema, preparing skin grafts.
In Which Conditions Are Aerocryotherapy Sessions Recommended?
Aerocryotherapy (ACT) is indicated in a wide range of medical, dermatological, neurological, musculoskeletal, gynecological, pulmonary, and sports-related conditions.
Medical Conditions:
▪️ Liver diseases: chronic viral or autoimmune hepatitis, compensated cirrhosis.
▪️ Burns: all degrees, including early cooling of burn wounds, reduction of edema, necrosis minimization, and preparation for skin grafting.
▪️ Pulmonary diseases: bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, chronic pneumonia.
▪️ Reproductive health: infertility, endometriosis, climacteric syndrome, prevention of toxicosis.
Dermatological Conditions:
▪️ Atopic dermatitis
▪️ Seborrheic dermatitis and rosacea
▪️ Psoriasis: vulgar and arthropathic, including acute exacerbations
▪️ Neurodermatitis, eczema, scleroderma, lichen planus
Neurological Conditions:
▪️ Multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, Parkinsonism, migraines
▪️ Neuropathies, spastic syndromes, reflex syndromes, chronic fatigue syndrome
Musculoskeletal and Sports Conditions:
▪️ Acute injuries: contusions, sprains, hematomas, luxations
▪️ Chronic overuse injuries: enthesopathies, tendinopathies, osteochondrosis, shoulder rotator cuff injuries
▪️ Postoperative recovery after ligament, bone, tendon, or muscle reconstruction
▪️ Sports performance: preparation, recovery, injury prevention, maintaining endurance
Cosmetic and Weight-Related Benefits:
▪️ Reduction of cellulite
▪️ Support in controlled weight loss programs (combined with diet and exercise)
Contraindications
Although ACT is generally safe and well tolerated, certain conditions make cryosauna sessions inadvisable.
Absolute Contraindications:
▪️ Acute cardiovascular events (recent heart attack, unstable angina)
▪️ Severe hypertension
▪️ Acute respiratory infections or fever
▪️ Cold intolerance or cold urticaria
▪️ Severe anemia or bleeding disorders
Relative Contraindications (require medical evaluation):
▪️ Pregnancy
▪️ Epilepsy
▪️ Severe renal or hepatic insufficiency
▪️ Uncontrolled diabetes
▪️ Chronic respiratory insufficiency
Sessions should always be supervised by a trained medical professional, and treatment parameters (temperature, duration, frequency) must be individualized based on the patient’s condition and tolerance.
Clinical Studies
Cryotherapy (ACT) has been evaluated in multiple clinical studies and medical observations, confirming its effectiveness across sports medicine, dermatology, hepatology, gynecology, and neurology.
Sports Medicine
▪️ Clinical experience shows ACT reduces pain, inflammation, and edema in both acute and chronic sports injuries.
▪️ Immediate application of cold in sprains, contusions, and intramuscular hematomas accelerates recovery, allowing athletes to return to training faster than with traditional methods.
▪️ ACT improves physical performance: endurance, muscle strength, and physiological parameters such as PWC-170 and systolic dimensions.
▪️ Studies at the University of Wroclaw and Olympic centers in Finland, Germany, and Latvia demonstrated enhanced exercise capacity, reduced interstitial tension, and increased performance-stimulating hormones (e.g., testosterone).
Dermatology
▪️ In the treatment of psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, neurodermatitis, and seborrheic complex, ACT combined with classical therapy reduces acute symptoms, prolongs remission, and improves clinical and cosmetic comfort.
▪️ Protocols of 15-30 sessions per series, lasting 120-180 seconds each, significantly improve prognosis and stabilize long-term remission.
Hepatology
▪️ ACT stimulates microcirculation, improves hepatic blood flow, and accelerates metabolic processes.
▪️ In chronic liver disease patients with hypersplenism, an increase in platelet count and decreased regional vascular resistance was observed via rheohepatography and Doppler ultrasound.
Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine
▪️ ACT is effective in infertility, endometriosis, climacteric syndrome, and prevention of toxicosis during pregnancy.
▪️ Protocols recommend 120-180 second sessions, daily or every other day, in series of 25-30 sessions, with 2-3 month intervals between series.
Neurology and Systemic Diseases
▪️ ACT improves the condition of patients with multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, migraines, neuropathies, and spastic syndromes.
▪️ Positive effects appear after the first 10 sessions, reducing tremors, irritability, and autonomic symptoms.
Obesity and Metabolic Effects
▪️ Patients following 20-30 sessions in combination with a balanced diet have lost 7-10 kg.
▪️ ACT boosts calorie burning (150-200 kcal per session, 1,000-3,000 kcal between sessions) and reduces cellulite by activating adipose tissue cellular respiration.
Conclusion:
Clinical studies and medical observations demonstrate that cryotherapy is an effective, safe, and versatile method with broad applications in prevention, treatment, and recovery, recognized as a “golden standard” in sports medicine and dermatology.
Bibliography
https://www.criosauna.ro/studii-clinice/ - Accessed 29.08.2025
Frequently asked questions for CRYOSAUNA
Cold exposure activates multiple physiological mechanisms:
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Reduces inflammation and edema
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Relieves pain through analgesic effects and the nervous system
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Increases microcirculation and tissue oxygenation
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Stimulates the immune system and metabolic processes
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Improves muscle tone, collagen flexibility, and joint stability
Some patients feel temporary discomfort due to the rapid loss of body heat. However, this sensation lasts only a few seconds and is generally well tolerated. Discomfort is more noticeable in the first sessions, after which the body adapts to cold exposure.
It is recommended to take a short lukewarm shower before the session to clean the skin of sweat or creams. After the session, a shower is optional for personal comfort. Hot showers immediately after the procedure are not recommended, as they may interfere with the physiological effects of cold.
A standard session lasts between 100 and 180 seconds, in different series, depending on the condition or therapeutic goals, the doctor may recommend shorter or longer sessions, adapted to the patient's needs.
Frequency depends on the therapy goal and the condition being treated:
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Preventive or for regeneration: 1 session per day or every 2 days, in series of 15-30 sessions
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Dermatology (psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, seborrhea): 1 session/day in series of 15-30 sessions, with 1-2 months between series
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Sports medicine and recovery: 1 session/day or every 2 days, recommended 20-40 minutes before training or 20-60 minutes before competition
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For optimal results and long-term remission, 3-5 series are recommended, with 2-3 months intervals between them, depending on patient progress