Whole-body cryotherapy has become the preferred avenue by which professional athletes around the world use to enhance recovery from the stress athletic performance puts on the body.  The use of whole body cryotherapy reduces the effects of delayed onset muscle soreness when applied no sooner than a half-hour after exercise.  This boost in recovery gives athletes (as well as casual exercisers) the ability to train with a higher level of frequency.

Whole Body Cryotherapy has been shown to induce a decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines, and increase the anti-inflammatory cytokines.  This response to the cold exposure, with the addition of the vasoconstriction of muscular tissue, increased oxygen/blood flow, and drainage of lactic acid and other metabolites is thought to be the reason behind significant recovery improvement.

In a study performed by the National Institute of Sport Expertise and Performance, whole-body cryotherapy was compared to passive recovery modalities and far-infrared in hastening muscular recovery.  It was concluded that whole body cryotherapy had the effect of restoring maximal muscle strength, and perceived pain sensations after the first treatment.  The results of this study and many others have shown that whole-body cryotherapy is by far the most effective recovery modality.