30 Mar 2026
Cryotherapy has become one of the most talked-about recovery tools in modern wellness and performance spaces. But while it may feel new or even futuristic, the concept of using extreme cold to support healing has been around for decades.
Originally developed in Japan in the late 1970s to help treat rheumatoid arthritis, whole-body cryotherapy quickly gained attention in elite sports environments. Professional athletes began using it to manage inflammation, speed up recovery, and maintain performance during demanding training seasons.
Today, cryotherapy has moved beyond elite sport and into everyday wellness and for good reason.
Let’s break down what it is, how it works, and why it’s strongly backed by research.
Introducing the Zerobody Cryo Float?
The Zerobody Cryo by Starpool is an innovative cold-therapy treatment bed that delivers deep recovery benefits without the shock or discomfort of traditional ice baths or cryotherapy chambers.
Instead of immersing the body in ice water or exposing you to freezing air, the Cryo Float Bed uses a patented dry-floatation membrane that wraps around your body while you lie comfortably. This membrane allows heat to transfer from your skin and exposes you to cold temperatures (around 4–6 °C) in a controlled, non-invasive environment - without you getting wet.
This “zero-gravity” style floatation platform makes cold therapy more comfortable and accessible, especially for people who find ice baths too intense or impractical.
How Cryotherapy Works in the Body
When you lay down, your body immediately detects extreme cold. This triggers several physiological responses:
1. Vasoconstriction
Blood vessels near the surface constrict (narrow). This redirects blood flow toward vital organs to protect core temperature.
2. Reduced Inflammation
Cold exposure helps limit inflammatory processes in the body. This is particularly useful after heavy strength training, high-impact sessions, or prolonged physical stress.
Inflammation isn’t bad — it’s part of repair. But excessive or prolonged inflammation slows recovery. Cryotherapy helps regulate that response.
3. Endorphin Release
Extreme cold stimulates the release of endorphins — your body’s natural “feel good” chemicals.
This is why many people step out of cryotherapy feeling energised, clear-headed, and uplifted.
For parents navigating fatigue, mental load, and emotional overwhelm, that boost can feel powerful.
4. Nervous System Stimulation
Cryotherapy activates the sympathetic nervous system (your alert system). But because exposure is brief, it doesn’t create prolonged stress.
Instead, it can improve stress resilience — training the body to respond and recover efficiently.
What the Research Says
Scientific studies on cryotherapy show promising results in:
Reducing muscle soreness (DOMS)
Supporting recovery between intense training sessions
Decreasing inflammatory markers
Improving mood and mental wellbeing
Assisting joint pain management
Athletes often use cryotherapy during competition seasons when recovery windows are tight.
For strength and conditioning members, it can help maintain consistency which is ultimately what drives results.
For mums and dads who feel “flat” or drained, cryotherapy can provide an energy lift without caffeine or stimulants.
Who Should Use Cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy can benefit:
Busy Mums & Dads
Mental clarity boost
Energy support
Mood enhancement
Inflammation reduction
Gym & Strength Members
Post-leg day recovery
High training volume periods
Joint soreness management
Performance maintenance
High-Stress Professionals
Nervous system stimulation
Resilience building
It’s not about extremes. It’s about strategic recovery.
When to Use Cryotherapy
After heavy strength training
During high training frequency weeks
When feeling inflamed or sore
When energy is low
During periods of high stress
Most people benefit from 1–3 sessions per week depending on goals.
Safety & Considerations
Cryotherapy is generally safe for healthy individuals but may not be suitable for:
Uncontrolled high blood pressure
Certain cardiovascular conditions
Pregnancy
Severe cold sensitivities
Always consult a professional if unsure.
Why It’s Strongly Recommended
Cryotherapy is recommended not because it’s trendy but because it helps manage inflammation, improve recovery efficiency, and support resilience.
In today’s world, we face high stress loads - physical, mental, emotional.
Recovery is no longer optional.
It’s foundational.