Cryotherapy FAQs
Is Cryotherapy Worth It?
Yes, localised cryotherapy using localised hand held cryo devices can be worth it — both for humans and horses — when applied properly by a professional. Local cryotherapy is scientifically proven to be useful for reducing inflammation and relieving pain. It’s especially effective as part of a broader therapy plan to support recovery.
Whole-body cryotherapy tanks show promise but lack strong scientific backing and carry more risk. Always consult professionals (doctors or vets) to determine safety and appropriateness.
How much does equine cryotherapy cost?
The cost varies widely depending on your location, the facility and type of therapy.
Typical ranges (for horses):
Some rehab centres charge about $50+ per 3 min session. Generally in combination with other therapies like bodywork, red light, PEMF.
Others (e.g. commercial cryo spray services) start at around $75 for a 6-minute session to $150 for a whole body session with add-on areas costing extra.
Note: At-home cryotherapy equipment for horses (or professional devices) can cost much more initially.
What are the benefits of cryotherapy for horses?
Equine cryotherapy is used to reduce pain and inflammation, speed recovery, and support performance.
Benefits reported include:
Reduced swelling after injury or intense training.
Pain relief in joints, tendons, and muscles.
Faster healing after strains, sprains, post-surgery recovery.
Improved range of motion and mobility.
Long-term joint support in arthritis and chronic conditions.
Cryotherapy helps flush metabolic waste, reduce inflammation, and support recovery, similar to ice boots or cold water therapy — but done in a controlled, targeted way.
What conditions does cryotherapy help?
In horses:
Cryotherapy supports conditions like:
Tendon and ligament injuries
Joint injuries and arthritis
Muscle strains
Swelling (edema, hematomas)
Post-exercise recovery and performance support
In humans:
Muscle soreness / delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS)
Acute injuries (sprains)
Some inflammatory pain (arthritis flare-ups)
Joint pain, limited evidence for chronic conditions
Scientific evidence is strongest for local cold therapy versus Whole Body chambers.
What are the downsides / negative effects of equine cryotherapy?
Local (handheld) CO2 Cryotherapy is much safer than Nitrogen-based whole-body sessions.
Horse risks include:
Cold burns or tissue damage if applied improperly.
Sensitivity in certain animals (horses with thin coats, or older horses)
Who should not do cryotherapy?
While generally safe, be cautious with:
Horses with extreme cold sensitivity (young, older or those thin skin, thin coat individuals)
Horses with open wounds that are still actively bleeding or weeping - where cryotherapy could interfere with healing
Can cryotherapy cause diarrhoea?
There is no credible evidence that cryotherapy directly causes diarrhea as a side effect. Diarrhea is not a known physiological response to cold-based therapy in humans or animals.
However, if a person uses a whole body unit for longer than is recommended they may become hypothermic or experiences systemic stress, indirect symptoms could theoretically include digestive upset — but this is not a recognised or common side effect.
Can cryotherapy go wrong?
Yes — if not applied properly by a professional, cryotherapy can “go wrong,” especially with whole-body /Nitrogen systems. Potential severe issues can include:
Frostbite / tissue injury when protective gear is inadequate for chamber /unit used. Only eye protection is needed for localised cryotherapy.
Hypoxia if nitrogen displaces oxygen in poorly ventilated chambers. Localised Co2 Cryotherapy should only be used in well ventilated areas.
Cardiovascular stress (blood pressure changes). Again, this going to much less of a risk with handheld devices for localised use.
Good facilities and trained operators mitigate risk, as does use of hand held devices.
Is cryotherapy good for rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?
Cryotherapy may help reduce inflammation and pain in RA, and possibly improve joint function, with regular additional sessions as needed.
Takeaway: It can be a helpful adjunct treatment but should not replace standard RA management.
Is cryotherapy good for tendonitis?
Yes — cryotherapy (especially local cold therapy) is widely used to reduce inflammation and pain in tendonitis, particularly in acute stages. This is standard practice in sports medicine.