I guess it was a month or so ago, when I saw something on the news about CryoTherapy being a favorite recovery technique of LeBron James.  Now, as a short, chubby, Jewish guy; it’s only natural that I’ve always felt a certain kinship to James – what with our similar physiologies, genetic make-ups, and fitness regimens.  So when I saw that he was using CryoTherapy to help recuperate after injuring himself in a game, it was only natural that I’d wonder about its uses to heal the wear-and-tear I’ve incurred in my rather sedentary life.

Of course, I didn’t do anything proactive; but rather filed this notion away – presumably never to do anything about it.  Then a funny thing happened: I got an e-mail from Groupon.  Now, I’ve never used Groupon (though, Lord knows I am always on the lookout for a good deal, and for saving a few bucks on something I need), because there was never anything I had a use for – not that I spent tons of time looking; but still.  Anyhow, it seemed that a new cryo-spa, Rejuvenice, had opened in Summerlin, and I figured “What the heck?” 

So, I bought the Groupon, entitling me to a single full-body session in the CryoSauna ($80), and a single CryoFacial session (normally $50) and then forgot all about it.

Then, after departing Globe Salon (where Staci’s been doing my hair, for years), I was sitting in my car, reading my e-mails, when I got a reminder (an alert?) about redeeming my Groupon.  So, noting that I had to go up Charleston to get home, anyhow –again figured “What the heck?”  So I went.

Rejuvenice is set-up like a simple and very modern day-spa.  You sign in, and are then shown to a treatment room.  There, you remove your clothing (note: wear undergarments!), don heavy socks and gloves, slide into a pair of rubber sandals and a plush robe, and then follow your technician to the CryoSauna – the one-person unit, as opposed to the multi-person CryoChamber – where you remove your robe, and step into the unit, which physically resembles a stand-up tanning unit, crossed with a beaker.  The therapeutic goal of this machine is to decrease inflammation, pain, and spasming; and promote cellular survival and the constricting of blood vessels.  I say “goal” as none of this has been studied or given the high-sign, by the FDA – but take a poll of athletes and I’m sure they’ll agree that standing for three minutes beats the crap outta soaking in a steel tub filled with ice water for a half-hour.  (Not that I know, from experience; but I hear things…)  

I was told to slowly turn in the CryoSauna, as though I was on a vertical spit, and did so roughly six times during the three-minute session.  A few times I raised my hands up, out of the deep freeze (the temperature drops as low as -225ᴼF, as a result of pressurized liquid nitrogen vapors), but otherwise, I was completely comfortable.  After the three minutes, I was handed my robe, stepped-out and immediately noticed that my knees weren’t hurting.  They weren’t even sore.  And after four knee surgeries in 5 years, that’s a fairly noteworthy occurrence.

Then, I was led back to my treatment room, and after getting dressed, once more; my technician came in, and proceeded to give me my CryoFacial.  This entailed having that same cold air, applied to my scalp, face, and neck.  Allegedly it facilitates hair-growth, stimulates collagen production, decreases pore size, and increases circulation.  What I can say for certain, is that it felt great on my scalp, and tickled a bit on my face. 

I got home, and kinda passed out (which is not indicated; but I’d had a long day).  But when I woke I felt incredibly invigorated, both physically and mentally; due, I’m sure, from the increase in blood flow resulting in more oxygen getting to the brain, and stimulating the production of serotonin.  Of course, barring any adverse effects, considering that it’s a balmy 105ᴼF, these days, I don’t think a three-minute session in the CryoSauna followed by a 10-minute CryoFacial is a bad thing – even if few of these therapeutic goals is actually achieved.  But I’ll say this – I feel fantastic, my scalp is tingling (and in a very enjoyable way), my skin feels taut, and my knees don’t feel sore, at all. 

Does it work?  Who knows?  Do I feel good?  Absolutely.  Will I go back?  Probably, but not before consulting my doctor and my osteopath beforehand.

To quote LeBron James, “Brrrrrrrrr!”

Cryotherapy
Rejuvenice
Click HERE for info

Get into it!