Whole-Body Cryotherapy

Freeze & Float's whole-body cryotherapy sessions expose the body to extreme cold — typically between -200°F and -250°F — for up to three minutes inside a cryosauna chamber. The thermal shock triggers vasoconstriction followed by rapid vasodilation, stimulating circulation and prompting the release of endorphins and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Common applications include post-workout muscle recovery, reduction of inflammation, and a general energy boost. Sessions are fast, with no downtime, making them suitable before or after athletic training.

Whole-body cryotherapy at Freeze & Float Spa uses a cryosauna unit to surround the body with nitrogen-chilled air at temperatures typically ranging from -166°F to -256°F (-110°C to -160°C) for a controlled session of two to three minutes. The exposure is brief enough that the skin surface temperature drops sharply while core body temperature remains stable, activating the body's cold-stress response without risk of hypothermia. The physiological cascade triggered by cryotherapy begins immediately. Blood vessels in the periphery constrict sharply, redirecting circulation toward vital organs. Upon exiting the chamber, this blood rushes back to the extremities, now enriched with oxygen and cleared of metabolic waste products. The process is accompanied by a surge in endorphins — natural pain-relieving compounds — and a reduction in inflammatory markers, effects that have made cryotherapy popular among professional athletes and sports recovery clinics across the United States. At Freeze & Float's River North facility, cryotherapy sessions are offered as standalone appointments or as a complement to floatation therapy or infrared sauna sessions. Many guests combine modalities: a cryotherapy session before floating can heighten the contrast-based relaxation response, while post-float cryo may help consolidate recovery benefits. The spa's proximity to Chicago athletic facilities, gyms along North Michigan Avenue, and the Loop's corporate district makes it accessible to both competitive athletes and office workers seeking a fast midday recovery tool. Introductory pricing is available for first-time visitors. Regular clients often purchase packages or membership tiers that reduce the per-session cost substantially. Staff provide full safety briefings before each session, and individuals with cardiovascular conditions, Raynaud's disease, or cold hypersensitivity are screened during intake. Sessions last just three minutes, with no preparation beyond removing metal jewellery and wearing the provided protective gloves, socks, and ear covers.