8/13/2025The Best Times to Use Cryotherapy: When (and When Not) to Freeze Your Pain

If you’ve ever stepped out of a cryotherapy chamber, you know it’s not just about the chill — it’s about how good your body feels afterward. But to get the most out of cryotherapy, timing is everything.

So when should you hop in for a session… and when is it better to skip it? Let’s break it down.

First, What is Cryotherapy?

In case you need a refresher, cryotherapy is a treatment that exposes the body to very cold temperatures for a short period of time — typically 2–3 minutes. It’s used to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and speed up recovery. Evergreen Wellness offers this powerful service right inside Cypress Physical Therapy, giving our patients the best of both recovery and rehab.

When Cryotherapy is Most Effective

✅ After a Tough Workout

Cryotherapy can help reduce muscle soreness and speed up your recovery time after intense physical activity. Whether you're training hard or just getting back into fitness, this is a great time to cool things down — literally.

✅ Following a Physical Therapy Session

PT can activate deep muscles and inflamed areas. A post-session cryotherapy treatment can help manage soreness and inflammation, allowing your body to bounce back faster between sessions.

✅ After a Recent Injury (But Not Immediately)

For acute injuries like sprains or strains, cryotherapy can help reduce swelling — just not in the first few minutes or hours. Wait at least 24 hours and talk to your physical therapist to make sure it’s appropriate.

✅ When Chronic Pain Flares Up

Conditions like arthritis, tendonitis, or back pain often come in waves. During a flare-up, cryotherapy can help calm things down and make daily movement more manageable.

When Cryotherapy Might Not Be Ideal

🚫 Right Before a Workout or PT Session

Cryotherapy can temporarily decrease blood flow and muscle flexibility. That’s not what you want before you move — save the chill for after you’ve done the work.

🚫 If You Have Certain Medical Conditions

People with uncontrolled high blood pressure, severe circulatory issues, or cold sensitivity disorders should speak with their doctor before trying cryotherapy.

🚫 If You’re Already Numb or Icy

If you’ve just used an ice pack or come in from a cold environment, stacking more cold on top may not be helpful. Cryotherapy is most effective when it's strategically timed, not layered.

How to Know What’s Right for You

The good news? You don’t have to guess. At Evergreen Wellness inside Cypress Physical Therapy, our team can help guide you based on your goals, pain levels, and therapy plan. Cryotherapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment — it’s most powerful when customized.

Let’s Help You Recover Smarter

Whether you’re healing from an injury, managing chronic pain, or just want to feel better after your workouts, cryotherapy might be the missing piece in your recovery routine.

Ready to give it a try? Visit us at Evergreen Wellness inside Cypress Physical Therapy and let us help you feel your best — one chill session at a time.