If you’re interested in optimizing your health and wellness, you’ve most likely heard of cryotherapy and cold plunging. These two distinct forms of cold therapy offer powerful benefits when it comes to physical recovery, mental health, and more.
But, there are significant differences between them; how they work, how they feel, and how they fit into your lifestyle. In this article, we’ll break down these differences, analyzing the ‘cryotherapy vs cold plunge’ debate to help you make the right call for your routine.
Treatment Method and Experience
Cryotherapy, at its core, means cold therapy. This could refer to something as simple as applying an ice pack to a swollen ankle. However, in the case of this article, we’ll be examining cryotherapy in its most sophisticated form - aka the practice of standing in an extremely cold chamber, with temperatures as low as -200°F, cooled with liquid nitrogen or refrigerated air. This kind of cryotherapy is designed to last just a few minutes and offers dry (minimal water involved), full-body cold exposure.
Cold plunge therapy, on the other hand, involves full-body immersion in cold or even icy water, usually between 39°F and 55°F. Modern cold plunge systems, such as those from Polar Monkeys, offer simple and precise temperature control, letting you customize your experience to your liking and tolerance.
Session Duration and Temperature Levels
Due to extreme temperatures, cryotherapy sessions are usually brief - between 2 to 3 minutes maximum. On the other hand, cold plunge beginners will tend to immerse for a minute or two at a time, before gradually building up to longer sessions of 5-10 minutes maximum. This progression is dependent on user tolerance and goals.
While cryotherapy involves colder temperatures, cold water immersion often produces a more sustained physiological response, due to direct skin and blood vessel contact during cold plunging.
Accessibility and Setup
Cryotherapy requires a dedicated studio with professional-grade equipment. It’s not something you can easily replicate at home - and each session tends to be costly - making it generally less accessible.
On the contrary, modern cold plunge systems, such as Polar Monkeys’ Cyber Barrel or Brainpod 2.0, are built for plug-and-plunge use at home, offering precise temperature control and built-in filtration with no need for nitrogen or clinical supervision. Eliminating the need for messy and time-consuming ice-bath setups, cold plunge tubs are increasingly the easiest at-home cold therapy option.
Benefits Compared Side by Side
When it comes to ‘cryotherapy vs cold plunge’, it’s important to analyze the benefits - and the extent of said benefits - offered by each form of cold therapy.
Physical Recovery Outcomes
Both cryotherapy and cold plunging are used to reduce inflammation and aid muscle recovery. Cold plunging, in particular, has the support of various scientific studies that speak to these positive effects. Cryotherapy has also proven to be effective in targeting nerve pain, such as the uncomfortable tingling sensations caused by chemotherapy drugs.
Mental Health and Mood Effects
Cold exposure in various forms has been shown to boost endorphins and dopamine, leading to decreased anxiety, better mood, and improved mental clarity. Many users also find cold plunging, in particular, effective for stress relief and mindfulness thanks to slower, breath-focused immersion.
Long-Term Health Potential
Research increasingly suggests that cold exposure may contribute to long-term health and wellness goals such as nervous system regulation, immune support, and metabolic improvement. The key to achieving said benefits? Frequent and consistent use of whichever cold therapy you choose. Many users find that cold plunging is a more convenient and accessible choice for habit formation and sustainable gains.
Which Option Fits Your Lifestyle?
Factors to Consider: Budget, Space, and Goals
Cryotherapy involves higher per-session costs as well as studio visits, making it better suited for those with access to local facilities and a flexible budget.
Cold plunge tubs require a one-time investment, but are then usable daily from the comfort of your home. Polar Monkeys cold plunges require minimal space (particularly upright barrel models) and setup, ideal for those who want to build a consistent, long-term cold therapy habit.
Home Use vs. Studio-Based Treatments
Cryotherapy is location-dependent. Cold plunges? They’re ready wherever you are - whether it’s indoors, outdoors, or in your garage gym. For convenience and frequency of use, cold plunge tubs are hard to beat.
Personal Preferences and Routine Fit
If you prefer quick, dry cold exposure with no preparation necessary, cryotherapy is the choice for you. If you prefer full immersion and an at-home experience, you’ll likely prefer cold plunge therapy.
Making the Right Call for Your Wellness Journey
When it comes to comparing cryotherapy vs cold plunge, it’s all about what works for you. Cryo chambers are powerful tools, and particularly effective for pain relief, but if you're seeking a daily wellness ritual and to boost your mental resilience, cold plunging might well be the method that sticks.
Looking to bring cold therapy home? Explore our best-selling cold plunge systems at Polar Monkeys - from compact barrels to traditional-style tubs, expertly engineered for serious recovery, ease of use, and seamless integration into your lifestyle.
