what do you wear to cryotherapy

2 min read 22-12-2024

Cryotherapy is becoming increasingly popular as a recovery method for athletes and a wellness treatment for everyday people. But before you book your first session, you might be wondering: what should I wear? This guide will tell you exactly what to wear to cryotherapy and why. Understanding what to wear ensures a comfortable and effective treatment.

What to Wear for Whole Body Cryotherapy (WBC)

Whole body cryotherapy (WBC) involves standing in a chamber chilled to extremely low temperatures (-110°C to -160°C or -166°F to -256°F) for a short period (2-3 minutes). Because of the extreme cold, what you wear is crucial for your comfort and safety. Here's a breakdown:

The Essentials:

Loose, lightweight clothing: Avoid anything tight or restrictive. Think lightweight athletic wear, comfortable pajamas or even just underwear. The clothing needs to allow your body to move freely while remaining warm enough to avoid extreme discomfort.
Warm socks: Your feet are particularly sensitive to cold. Choose thick, warm socks to protect them from the intense chill. Wool or thermal socks are ideal.
Gloves: Similar to socks, gloves protect your extremities from cold-related discomfort. Thin gloves are fine, you don't need bulky ski gloves.
Waterproof footwear: You might see some moisture build up, so wearing waterproof footwear can be beneficial.

What NOT to Wear:

Metal: Metal conducts cold incredibly well and can cause serious discomfort or even injury to your skin. Avoid jewelry (including piercings), metal zippers, buttons, or any metallic embellishments on your clothing. Remove all piercings beforehand.
Heavy clothing: While you want to be warm before entering the chamber, heavy clothing will impede the cold air from reaching your skin effectively.
Wet clothing: Wet clothing will dramatically increase the sensation of cold and could lead to hypothermia. Ensure your clothes are completely dry before your session.
Contact lenses: While not strictly clothing, it's important to note that contact lenses can be uncomfortable or potentially dangerous in the extreme cold and dryness of the cryotherapy chamber. It's best to wear glasses instead.

Additional Considerations:

Underwear: While many people wear underwear, some opt to only wear athletic-style clothing like leggings. It's completely up to your personal preference.
Hair: It's generally fine to leave your hair down, but you may want to consider pulling it back to keep it out of your face.

What to Wear for Localized Cryotherapy

Localized cryotherapy, such as cryotherapy for targeted areas like muscles, joints, or skin, involves a less intense cold exposure. The clothing requirements are much more flexible here. You can generally wear normal clothing, leaving the treatment area exposed. You might choose shorts or a loose t-shirt if the treatment is on a leg or arm. However, always follow the specific recommendations of your cryotherapy practitioner.

Preparing for Your Cryotherapy Session

Before your appointment, remember to:

Consult your physician: If you have any underlying health conditions, consult your doctor before undergoing cryotherapy.
Arrive early: This allows time to get changed and ask any questions you may have.
Inform the staff: Let your cryotherapy technician know about any concerns or sensitivities you have regarding the cold.

By following these guidelines on what to wear to cryotherapy, you can ensure a safe, comfortable, and effective treatment. Remember, always follow the specific recommendations provided by your cryotherapy clinic and don't hesitate to ask questions. Enjoy the benefits of cryotherapy!