Cryotherapy
Controlled cold exposure to support recovery, resilience and healthy ageing.
Private consultations available at our Cheltenham clinic
Cryotherapy exposes the body to very low temperatures for short, carefully controlled periods.
At GHS Clinics we use it as one of several tools that can be integrated into a structured longevity plan for people who want to support recovery, function and long-term healthspan.
What is cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy literally means “cold therapy”. In our context it usually refers to whole-body cryotherapy, where the body (excluding the head in most systems) is briefly exposed to very cold air, typically well below −100°C, in a specialised chamber or cabin.
The aim is to deliver a short, intense cold stimulus that triggers a series of physiological responses: narrowing of blood vessels at the skin, shifts in circulation, changes in autonomic tone, and release of various signalling molecules. These responses are thought to influence pain, inflammation, circulation, mood and perceived recovery.
Evidence is still evolving. Some studies suggest potential benefits for pain, recovery and subjective wellbeing in selected groups, but data are not yet strong enough to treat cryotherapy as a primary treatment for disease.
We’re inspired by insights from journals including:
- The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology – on sustainable obesity management strategies
- Nature Metabolism – on individual metabolic variability and precision nutrition
- BMJ Open and JAMA – on long-term outcomes for GLP-1 receptor agonist therapies
- Frontiers in Endocrinology – on the role of muscle preservation in midlife metabolic health
- Cell – on the interaction of wearables and behavioural feedback loops in lifestyle change
How we use cryotherapy at GHS Clinics
At GHS Clinics we see cryotherapy as a supportive modality.
We consider it when:
- Your Second Prime® assessment suggests that recovery, autonomic balance or low-grade inflammation are relevant levers.
- You are already working on fundamentals like; sleep, movement, nutrition, stress and medical issues, and want an additional, time-limited intervention.
- There is no contraindication from your medical history, medications or cardiovascular profile.
We integrate cryotherapy sessions into an agreed plan so that they can sit alongside movement programming, nutrition, therapeutic work and, where appropriate, other treatments such as light therapy or HBOT. The focus is always on measurable function and outcomes.
Potential areas of support
Within a longevity and recovery-focused plan, cryotherapy may be considered to:
- Support recovery in people with demanding training or work schedules.
- Help with symptom management in some chronic pain conditions, as part of a broader regimen.
- Provide a physiological “reset” stimulus for those with high allostatic load, when balanced with rest and nutrition.
- Complement broader strategies for metabolic and circulatory health, always alongside standard medical care.
We will always be clear where evidence is robust and where it remains preliminary, and we will not recommend cryotherapy instead of clinically necessary treatment.
What to expect from a cryotherapy session
Pre-screening and consent
We review your medical history and goals, check blood pressure and other relevant measures, and discuss potential risks and uncertainties.
Preparation
You will change into appropriate clothing (usually minimal clothing with dry socks and gloves, plus ear/face protection as directed). Jewellery and metal objects are removed.
Cryotherapy exposure
You enter the chamber for a brief exposure, usually around 2–3 minutes, under staff supervision. You can exit at any point if you feel uncomfortable.
Re-warming and recovery
After the session you return to a warm environment, move gently, and we monitor how you feel. Early sessions are conservative, and we adjust the protocol based on your response.
Who cryotherapy may be suitable for
Cryotherapy may be an option for you if:
- You want to maintain performance and resilience while managing a high-demand life.
- You are already addressing core health behaviours and want to explore whether a controlled cold stimulus adds value.
- You are prepared to attend a short series of sessions and to track outcomes (for example, pain scores, recovery, sleep, function) so we can judge whether it is worthwhile.
Who cryotherapy is not suitable for
Cryotherapy is not appropriate for everyone. It is not suitable if you:
- Have significant uncontrolled cardiovascular disease (for example, unstable angina, recent myocardial infarction, severe heart failure or severe peripheral arterial disease).
- Have uncontrolled hypertension or severe autonomic dysfunction.
- Have certain respiratory, neurological or circulatory disorders, cold intolerance or cryoglobulinaemia.
- Are pregnant, or have an implanted device or condition where extreme cold exposure is not advised.
- Are seeking treatment for serious depression, trauma or other mental health conditions – in these cases we prioritise evidence-based psychological and medical care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will cryotherapy “boost my metabolism” or burn fat on its own?
Cold exposure can increase acute energy expenditure, but evidence that cryotherapy alone drives meaningful fat loss is limited. We frame it, at most, as a supporting stimulus, not a primary weight-management tool.
Can cryotherapy replace my current pain treatment or medication?
How many sessions will I need?
Is cryotherapy safe long term?
Interested in whether cryotherapy could be part of your longevity plan?
Start with a Second Prime consultation so we can understand your health, risks and priorities, then decide together whether cryotherapy is a sensible lever for you.