Liquid nitrogen has become a popular ingredient in the Lake Travis area.
Ice cream fanatics can watch and feel the liquefied element work its magic at Creamistry. And thanks to the opening of Restore Cryotherapy located in the Hill Country Galleria, you can experience the benefits of liquid nitrogen first-hand. Think of it as Creamistry for people. Well, sort of.
Doing whole-body cryotherapy for the first time may be one the most unusual and unique things you’ve ever done in your life. It’s like science fiction meets day spa with a twist of chemistry. And yes, it’s very very cold. Let’s just say Snow Miser would be right at home in Restore.
Let’s take a look at cryotherapy and Restore Cryotherapy’s mission to bring health and healing to Lake Travis residents with oh-so-cold technology.
Cryotherapy isn’t a fad
If you haven’t heard about cryotherapy, you might be surprised to know that it has been a trusted and shared method of rejuvenation, healing and physical well-being dating back to 3500BC.
While the technology may be more advanced, the benefits have been known for centuries.
In 1812, Napoleon’s army was using cold streams to recover from battle. By 1978, Japanese doctors invented whole body cryotherapy.
How it works
The extreme cold (sub-zero temps) plays a trick on your brain and body, causing blood to rush to your core as a survival mechanism. As a result, your blood becomes very oxygenated and nutrient-rich.
When your blood rushes back through your body after the treatment, toxins are removed, inflammation is eased and the natural process of healing and repair starts working throughout your body.
Types of cryotherapy at Restore
Cryotherapy at Restore comes in a variety of methods. You can do whole-body cryotherapy, localized cryotherapy or cryotherapy facials.
Whole-body cryotherapy means you’ll be stepping into Restore’s futuristic-looking cryo chamber for a maximum of three minutes wearing nothing but socks, gloves and a smile.
Local cryotherapy is for a specific part of the body and it’s administered through a small device that “ices” your problem area from the inside out.
Cryotherapy facials use pressurized liquid nitrogen vapors to chill the face which boosts collagen production and improves blood flow.
Who does it
The reality of cryotherapy is it works for anyone. You don’t have to be a professional athlete to enjoy the benefits.
Cryotherapy decreases inflammation and muscle soreness, increases cellular survival, reduces pain and promotes overall health.
It is used to treat joint disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia and it can help alleviate things like insomnia, migraines, anxiety and fatigue.
Dedicated to educating and supporting the community
The owner of Restore Cryotherapy is Jim Donnelly, an active member of the Lake Travis community, a former athlete and an avid cryotherapy fan himself.
The walls of Restore are decorated with customer testimonials from real customers and Lake Travis residents including Jim’s family.
Although he loves the scientific aspect of cryotherapy as a holistic alternative to medication — his eyes light up when he talks about liquid nitrogen! — his main goal as a business owner is to inform the community about health and sports.
He’s very passionate about youth sports and keeping kids safe and healthy, so they can play for a lifetime. Restore offers discounted rates for youth and high school athletes, plus Jim works closely with Lake Travis schools and sports teams to help athletes suffering from concussions and other injuries.
What to expect
If you’re a cryo newbie, it helps to know a few things before your first adventure.
The great thing about Restore is they’re professionals (medical director and nurse practitioners) and they will talk you through every step. They want you to know exactly what you’re doing to your body and why.
- You will be naked for whole-body cryotherapy, but it’s very private. You have to protect your feet and hands, so they provide you with clean socks and mittens.
- You have a private changing room and you will come out wearing a robe. When you step into the chamber, you disrobe, but nobody can see inside it.
- Once you step into the chamber, the floor raises up, so your head is above the chamber. You can see out as it turns 360 degrees, so you won’t feel claustrophobic.
- A professional will be with you at all times. Once the cold air starts filling the chamber, a Restore nurse will talk you through the process and help you adjust, so you can enjoy the full benefits of being immersed for the full few minutes.
- The first time you try it, it’s totally normal to only last for one minute or so. It’s an exhilarating experience and your body naturally goes into “fight or flight” mode, which it’s supposed to do.
- This will probably feel unlike anything you’ve ever done before, so you may need to do it twice to hit the 2-minute mark.
Restore Cryotherapy also provides services like IV Hydration therapy and Hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Who’s ready to take the plunge?
Editor’s note: The awesome folks at Restore Cryotherapy treated Cathy Hale to one whole-body cryotherapy session. P.S. She lasted for one minute…
