Milton Keynes: Everything you need to know about cryotherapy – cold treatment – for wellbeing and recovery
But today’s cryotherapy clients enjoy the process for a range of body and wellbeing reasons.
The cold comes from nitrogen gas, delivered in a chamber, and is widely reported to be a popular regime for both celebrities – such as the Kardashians – and professional sportsmen and women. Manchester United player Marcus Rashford was recently pictured in a full-body cryotherapy chamber.
But the treatment is not just the preserve of the rich and famous. Aki Shah
opened his centre in Milton Keynes after trying the treatment himself, following a serious shoulder injury.
He has used it for pre-training and post-training, for injury recovery and to boost general health and wellbeing.
We asked him to tell us more about the treatment and how it has helped his clients – who include footballers at local team MK Dons and former England cricketer Darren Gough.
What is cryotherapy?
It is exposing the body to extreme cold, forcing the blood away from extremities and towards vital organs.
“It’s similar to being at the top of Mount Everest,” Aki explains. “The gas is completely dry so clients do not feel anything touching them. Their head remains outside the chamber and the temperature inside the chamber drops to -120c to -160c.”
The treatment lasts three minutes and people might experience a tingling sensation in their legs, which feels refreshing on the skin.
How does it work?
When people step out of the chamber the body starts to warm up naturally.
“Enriched oxygenated blood – which has been sitting close to the heart and lungs – gets pumped around the body increasing the blood flow and circulation,” Aki explains.
It’s a similar sensation to after a cold shower. He says it also releases endorphins giving a feeling of wellbeing – even euphoria.
“Some people even get the giggles afterwards they feel so happy,” says Aki.
What is it used for?
His clients include those with injuries, swelling and over-training issues, joint and muscle aches, fibromyalgia, long covid, arthritis and stress.
Aki says he has seen it used alongside healthy eating and exercise for weight loss – the process can burn up to 800 calories from a single session of cryotherapy.
He has treated skin conditions including eczema and psoriasis, and says it has given people increased energy and better sleep, can be used for anti-ageing and promoting collagen production.
“We have had a number of clients who have achieved personal bests or gone on to win competitions or perform well in events after the treatment,” he said.
Who carries out the treatment?
Aki runs the clinic on his own. He has an operators’ certificate from the manufacturer of the chamber and a level three certificate in cryotherapy.
The first consultation lasts half an hour and after that the full session takes 15 minutes. The actual time in the chamber is up to three minutes.
Clients have a private area to get undressed and are given a gown, gloves and shoes to wear. Then they step inside the chamber, which will be adjusted to their height, and only when it’s closed will they be asked to remove the gown, so privacy is maintained at all times.
What other treatments are offered?
Renati Recovery also offers compression treatments, which can be done on arms, legs or hips.
If you like a good sports, or post-training massage this could be the treatment for you.
An inflatable sleeve – similar to a blood-pressure cuff – is placed over the area to be treated and is then inflated, one section at a time, to gently push fluids along and towards the heart. Aki said it works better than a massage because pressure is applied all around the area.
“It’s a very relaxing treatment,” Aki added. “Some clients actually fall asleep – and we have two sets, so couples can have this treatment at the same time.”
How many treatments are needed?
This depends on individual needs. Some go once a week and some go several times a week – for others it might be a course of treatment for a particular issue.
What clients say
Renati Recovery has five star reviews on Google with comments such as: “After three sessions my leg injury felt 70% better and was quickly able to get back to training.”
One review said: “It has now become a key part of my life and something that I can see continuing far into the future.” Another said: “Fantastic results after 1 session. It’s a must for people with skin conditions like eczema”
Is it suitable for everyone?
You must be over 18 – anyone 16-18 can be treated but with a parent or guardian present.
Aki says a lot of his clients are in the 35+ age group. Cryotherapy is not recommended for people with certain medical conditions. The advice is always to obtain appropriate medical guidance from a doctor if in doubt and to ensure that you are fit and well hydrated before treatment. Information about contra-indications is on the website under terms of service.
Save on treatment
Clients are being offered 30% off their first treatment. Please use the code RECOVER30 when booking. This offer will run until May 23.
Find out more
The centre is located at Milton Keynes Business Centre, 215 Foxhunter Drive, Linford Wood, MK14 6GD. It’s open Monday to Friday 9am – 8pm and Saturday 10am to 4pm, by appointment only.
For more information and to book visit the website.