Terminology for Cryotherapy-Owners, operators, makers, and resellers of cryotherapy equipment frequently use distinct nomenclature to refer to their apparatus and their menu of therapies.
In order to clarify some of these words and prevent misunderstanding, we have taken the time to define the various terms that are used in the cryotherapy industry.
These words are frequently used in the same sentence.
Terminology for Cryotherapy
Ice Bath - A training regimen dubbed a "ice bath," also known as "cold water immersion" or "cold treatment," is typically used after a period of strenuous activity. For a brief period of time, people take ice baths in a bathtub, bath, or ice water. One of the earliest types of cryotherapy is ice baths. While the process has its beauty and we strongly advise using either modality when possible, it does require lengthier recovery times than contemporary cryotherapy procedures.
Localized Cryotherapy – CO2 Based Systems - CO2 Based Systems require a constant supply of CO2 and can only operate at a maximum temperature of about -80°C/-110°F. A portable "wand" attached to a CO2 storage jar is used to provide treatments. The wand breaks down CO2.
Localized Cryotherapy – Electric Based Systems - Systems that are powered by electricity employ refrigeration technology. The maximum temperature is -50°C/-60°F. It just needs electricity for this system. A "wand" attached to a refrigeration unit is used to apply treatments.
Localized Cryotherapy – Nitrogen Based Systems - Nitrogen-Based Systems utilise liquid nitrogen's extreme qualities, which range from -120°C (-180°F) to -150°C (-220°F). Liquid nitrogen must be available in constant supply for this system. A "wand" attached to an LN2 storage vessel is used to administer treatments. The device transforms liquid nitrogen into chilled vapours.
Localized Cryotherapy | Local Cryotherapy | Cryo facial - Cryotherapy terms include spot cryotherapy, targeted cryotherapy, and cryotherapy for facials. These are only a few of the many names that are used to describe cryotherapy, which is applied to a specific area or location on the client's body at any given time. While targeted cryotherapy and spot cryotherapy allow the patient to seek more severe treatment in specific difficulty areas caused by injuries, muscle damage, and other ailments, cryofacials refers to the application of cryotherapy on the client's face and neck.
Mobile Cryotherapy Unit - A machine that is mounted in the back of a car, trailer, or recreational vehicle is known as a mobile cryotherapy unit. A mobile cryo unit can be moved to various places, including sporting events and venues.
Open top Cryosaunas - Cryosaunas, cryotherapy chambers, and other cryotherapy apparatus that employ liquid nitrogen to cool the entire system are referred to as open-top cryosaunas. The user's body, with the exception of their head, is exposed to an atmosphere with a higher nitrogen concentration in open-top cryosaunas, which produces the cooling effect. Open-top cryosaunas often offer greater operational flexibility and instant startup, but if not used back-to-back, they could perform less efficiently. All operators must adhere to a stronger safety protocol in order to guarantee the security of every customer.
PBC – Partial Body Cryotherapy - Whole Body Cryotherapy refers to the use of cryotherapy to specific or circumscribed bodily parts, such as limbs, extremities, or portions of the torso.
Partial Body Cryotherapy is a term used by certain individuals who practise cryotherapy to describe procedures performed in open-top cryosaunas. The scope of the treatment within an open-top cryosauna, in our opinion, is not accurately described by the phrase partial body cryotherapy.
We are compelled to discuss this contentious subject because the cryotherapy industry is full with false information. In our professional lives, we have had experience using hybrid (head exposed to cryotherapy) and nitrogen (neck down cryotherapy) systems.
The word "partial" has two different definitions according to the dictionary, none of which we think are particularly appropriate to describe the treatment in open top cryosaunas and would be more appropriate for other cryotherapy uses.
They are "incomplete" and "some parts/areas," respectively. The term "incomplete" does not accurately describe the scope of cryotherapy in an open-top chamber that envelops the user's entire body save for their head and conveys a negative connotation of being a "incomplete" treatment. Different cryotherapy systems and equipment serve a variety of purposes, and exposing the client's head to the cold vapours is not always a sign of a treatment's effectiveness but rather another way to approach the same issue. In order to promote their products, certain manufacturers and distributors of enclosed cryotherapy systems, such as electric or nitrogen-based systems (hybrids), use the phrase partial-body cryotherapy for open-top cryosaunas.
Cryotherapy treatments performed only to the limbs, specific body parts, or "certain portions/areas" are also referred to as partial body cryotherapy. This definition establishes a whole distinct category of equipment. The Cryosleeve is an example of a product in this category, along with solutions that specifically address particular problems and objectives.
Portable Cryotherapy Machine - A smaller unit that may be readily moved or transported by the user, a portable cryotherapy machine is used for localised cryotherapy. This can be utilised for veterinary applications, cryotherapy facials, horse cryotherapy, and client visits for physiotherapy.
WBC – Whole Body Cryotherapy ) Cryogenic Therapy - Used as a term The term "whole body cryotherapy" is used to describe cryotherapy sessions in open-top cryosaunas. The client is subjected to the cold throughout the operation, with the exception of their head.
The term "body" is frequently used in sectors other than cryotherapy, such as beauty and skin care, to refer to the torso from the neck down, which is how the term "whole body cryotherapy" appears in open-top cryosaunas.
Nitrogen-based or hybrid systems are both possible for open-top cryosaunas.