Cryotherapy

Whole-body cryotherapy at Next Health Atlanta Buckhead — a brief 3–5 minute session in a cryotherapy chamber exposing the body to ultra-cold temperatures. Used for post-workout recovery, inflammation reduction, and energy and mood support. Included in the Medicine 4.0 membership. Standalone sessions available at current clinic pricing.

Next Health Atlanta Buckhead's cryotherapy offering uses a whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) chamber to expose the body to extremely cold temperatures — typically between -100°C and -140°C — for a brief 3–5 minute session. Unlike ice bath or cold water immersion, WBC uses nitrogen-cooled or electrically-chilled dry air that does not conduct heat as rapidly as water, making the experience more tolerable despite the extreme ambient temperature; body surface temperature drops significantly while core temperature remains stable over the short session duration. The cold stimulus triggers a cascade of physiological responses: cutaneous thermoreceptors signal the hypothalamus, activating the sympathetic nervous system and causing peripheral vasoconstriction and release of norepinephrine. On re-warming after the session, vasodilation occurs, increasing peripheral blood flow and delivering oxygenated blood to tissues. Systemic norepinephrine release — which peaks at 2–3-fold above baseline following WBC — has been associated with improved mood, alertness, and pain modulation via the norepinephrine-dopamine interaction in descending pain inhibition pathways. Anti-inflammatory effects observed following WBC include reductions in pro-inflammatory cytokine markers (IL-1β, TNF-α) in some study populations, supporting use of cryotherapy as an adjunct for muscular recovery after intense exercise. At Next Health Buckhead, cryotherapy is positioned as a regular recovery and wellness tool rather than a standalone treatment — it is included in the Medicine 4.0 membership alongside hyperbaric oxygen, infrared LED therapy, InBody scanning, IV drips, and vitamin shots, forming part of a multi-modality recovery and optimisation stack. Standalone sessions are also available. The session requires minimal preparation (removal of jewellery; protective gloves and socks provided) and carries no downtime, making it practical for Atlanta executives and professionals to include in their routine.