Cryotherapy in the Twin Cities: Everything You Need to Know Before Your First Session

If you've been curious about cryotherapy in the Twin Cities but aren't sure what to expect, this guide covers everything — what it is, what it feels like, who it's for, and where to go. Body Techs Wellness & Esthetics in Richfield, MN offers whole-body cryotherapy, cryo facials, and localized cryotherapy, and we've helped thousands of Twin Cities clients experience the benefits firsthand.

What Is Cryotherapy?

Cryotherapy is the therapeutic use of cold temperatures to reduce inflammation, accelerate recovery, boost energy, and support overall wellness. At Body Techs, whole-body cryotherapy uses dry nitrogen vapor — not water, not ice — to bring the air temperature in the chamber down to between -200°F and -240°F for a 3-minute session. Your skin surface temperature drops rapidly, triggering a cascade of physiological responses: blood rushes to your core to protect your organs, your body releases endorphins and anti-inflammatory proteins, and when you step out, that oxygenated blood floods back to your extremities.

The result: most clients feel energized, clear-headed, and noticeably less sore within minutes of finishing.

What Does Cryotherapy Feel Like?

This is the question we hear most often, and the honest answer is: most people are surprised by how manageable it is. The cold is intense — there's no way around that — but because it's dry vapor rather than wet cold, it doesn't have the same biting, painful quality as jumping into an ice bath. The 3 minutes go quickly, especially with music playing and a staff member talking you through it.

First-timers almost universally say the same thing when they step out: "That wasn't as bad as I thought, and I feel amazing."

Who Is Cryotherapy For?

Cryotherapy at Body Techs serves a wide range of clients: athletes recovering from training, people managing chronic inflammation or joint pain, clients looking for a natural energy boost, and anyone who wants to feel better in their body. Our clients include professional and amateur athletes, fitness enthusiasts, people with arthritis and autoimmune conditions, and people who simply want to optimize how they feel day to day.

What Are the Benefits?

Research and clinical experience support cryotherapy for: reduced muscle soreness and faster recovery, decreased inflammation throughout the body, improved sleep quality, elevated mood and energy (endorphin release), support for weight management (the body burns calories rewarming itself), and improved skin tone and texture. The cryo facial — a localized version applied to the face — tightens skin, reduces puffiness, minimizes pores, and gives an immediate glow with zero downtime.

What to Wear

For whole-body cryotherapy, you'll wear minimal clothing — underwear or a swimsuit — plus socks, slippers, and gloves, all of which are provided. The goal is maximum skin exposure to the cold while protecting your extremities. Women can wear a sports bra and shorts; men typically wear shorts or underwear. You'll be in and out of the chamber in 3 minutes.

How Often Should You Go?

For general wellness and energy, once or twice a week is a great starting point. For active recovery and inflammation management, 3 sessions per week is common. For targeted results — weight management, chronic pain, or performance optimization — daily sessions during an intensive period can be highly effective. Body Techs offers membership plans starting at $150/month for 8 sessions, bringing the per-session cost down to under $19.

Cryotherapy in the Twin Cities: Why Body Techs

Body Techs is located at 1415 E 66th St in Richfield — the geographic center of the Twin Cities metro, 7 minutes from Edina, 10 minutes from downtown Minneapolis, and easily accessible from Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Burnsville, and St. Louis Park. We've been serving Twin Cities clients since 2018 and have earned 242+ five-star Google reviews and recognition as Star Tribune Readers' Choice 2024 and Best Holistic Wellness Center in Minnesota 2025.

Single sessions are $50. New clients can try 5 sessions for $125 ($25/session). Book online at vagaro.com/bodytechsrx or call (612) 662-7512.