What is whole body cryotherapy?
Whole body cryotherapy (WBC) involves stepping into a chamber where the temperature is dropped to between -110°C and -140°C for a short period — usually 2 to 3 minutes. At these extreme temperatures, your body triggers a powerful physiological response that drives some impressive recovery and wellness benefits.
At Team Breakthrough, our cryo chamber uses liquid nitrogen vapour to rapidly cool the air around you. Your head remains outside the chamber throughout the session, so you're always able to communicate with the operator. It sounds intense, but most clients are genuinely surprised by how tolerable it is.
What happens to your body during a cryo session?
The moment you step into the chamber, your body detects the temperature drop and kicks into survival mode. Blood rushes from your extremities to your core to protect your vital organs. This blood becomes highly enriched with oxygen, nutrients and anti-inflammatory proteins.
When you step out of the chamber after 2–3 minutes, your body warms back up rapidly. That enriched blood floods back to your muscles, joints and skin, delivering a surge of oxygen and nutrients while simultaneously clearing out inflammatory waste products. This is the mechanism behind most of the recovery benefits.
What are the benefits?
The evidence base for cryotherapy continues to grow. The most consistently reported benefits include:
- Faster muscle recovery — reduced delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) after intense training
- Reduced inflammation — particularly beneficial for joint conditions, arthritis and chronic inflammatory pain
- Improved mood and energy — the endorphin release triggered by cold exposure leaves most people feeling energised and clear-headed
- Better sleep — many regular cryo clients report significantly improved sleep quality
- Skin and immune benefits — cold exposure stimulates collagen production and supports immune function
Who is cryotherapy for?
Cryotherapy suits a wide range of people. At Team Breakthrough we see athletes using it to recover between sessions, members using it to manage chronic pain, and people using it simply because of the mood and energy boost it delivers. You don't need to be training at a high level to benefit — anyone dealing with inflammation, fatigue or poor recovery will likely notice a difference.
Cryotherapy is not suitable for people with certain cardiovascular conditions, Raynaud's disease or cold allergies. We'll always ask about your health before your first session to make sure it's right for you.
What should I wear?
You'll be provided with protective gloves and socks to protect your extremities. For women, a sports bra and shorts or swimwear works well. For men, shorts or swimming trunks. The less clothing the better — the point is to expose as much skin as possible to maximise the effect. You'll also be given protective footwear.
What does it actually feel like?
Cold, obviously — but not painfully so. The dry cold of a cryo chamber feels very different from the wet cold of an ice bath. Most people describe the first 30 seconds as sharp and invigorating, after which the body adapts and the session becomes more comfortable. The 2–3 minutes pass quickly. When you step out, the warming sensation is immediate and genuinely pleasant — most clients feel a noticeable mood lift within minutes.
Try cryotherapy near Bath
Team Breakthrough in Box, near Bath, is one of the only dedicated cryotherapy facilities in Wiltshire and Somerset. Sessions are available pay-as-you-go or as part of a wellness membership. Our team will walk you through the process on your first visit and ensure you're fully comfortable before your session begins.