FAQs

Northwest Cryotherapy Institute utilizes an electrically based cooling mechanism to achieve temperatures of about -115 to -135°F. No nitrogen gas is involved in this process.

WBC is typically safe and, if done properly, has minimal risks or side effects.  Our staff is trained to protect you, your experience, mitigate risk, and ensure an atmosphere of safety.

Potential risks could include: anxiety, claustrophobia, frostbite or cold burns, eye injury, allergic skin reactions, lightheadedness, fluctuations in blood pressure or respiratory rate, and difficulty breathing.

Contraindicated conditions can include, but are not limited to: uncontrolled hypertension, heart disease, seizure disorders, anemia, metal implants, severe asthma or COPD, Raynaud’s Syndrome, blood clots or DVT, healing/open wounds, active infections, pregnancy, fever, and extreme claustrophobia. You are also prohibited from entering the chamber with wet/damp skin or hair. All clients must have a current waiver on file prior to utilizing services.

Local cryotherapy sessions can be an alternative for these health related concerns.

Yes! The door does not lock and you may step out at any time if you become uncomfortable. The glass door ensures you have the ability to be in constant visual contact with the technician. If your comfort level is not optimal, you can still realize the benefits from localized cryotherapy.

The time in the chamber itself lasts a maximum of 4 minutes. Your visit with us will also include compression therapy, localized cryotherapy, and the infrared sauna*. We recommend giving yourself about 30-40 minutes to fully enjoy all services NWCI has to offer.

*Groupon purchases only include up to 4 minutes in the chamber and 5 minutes in the infrared sauna. Upgrades to your Groupon can be made upon check-in if you wish to experience the rest.

You may notice an increase in energy, better sleep, and faster recovery from activities after a single treatment. On average, most of our clients begin seeing results after 3 sessions done in close proximity and even greater changes after 5-10. However, because everyone is different, our technicians will work closely with you to create a personalized plan for whatever your goals may be.

The cryotherapy in our chamber is a dry cold, making it tolerable, even to those who consider themselves intolerant of cold. Our technicians provide protective gear each session to ensure your comfort and that you have a safe and positive experience.

Yes! Children ages 13 and up may use the cryotherapy chamber with parental consent in the form of a signed waiver. Life and school stress, chronic illness, pains from a growing body, and injury prevention/athletic performance all have the potential to be managed with cryotherapy. We encourage all youths to begin taking care of their health now, so that it becomes part of a normal adult routine in their future.

Unfortunately, no. While this treatment is often covered by health insurance in other countries, cryotherapy is not recognized as medical care in the United States and therefore, not covered. It may be possible to pay for sessions under your health care spending account, check with your providers for more information.

Yes! Cardiovascular exercise promotes dilation of your blood vessels and accelerates the distribution of oxygen and nutrient rich blood throughout the body.

Yes! With the current pandemic situation, we are asking all clients to book appointments to help maintain safe distancing by limiting capacity. Any walk-ins will be booked in the next available time slot and asked to wait offsite until their appointment time.

You can book online by clicking here, then use the APPOINTMENTS tab at the top.  For new clients, you will need to create an account.  For existing clients, use the email address we have on file and click “Need new password?”  You will use this log in information each time you book an appointment.  To ensure a smooth check in process, please fill out our waiver prior to your appointment. It can be found here and will automatically be linked to your account.

If you require booking assistance, please don’t hesitate to call us at 425-559-2915.

Women will typically wear a tank top or sports bra, shorts, and socks while men wear shorts and socks.  While we recommend you bring your own, we do have extra onsite to borrow. Before entering the chamber, our team will provide all protective gear including shoes, gloves, ear protection, and a respiratory mask.