Cryotherapy Machine Cost (Localized and Whole-Body) + Buyer’s Guide

What Is Cryotherapy?

Cryotherapy — meaning “cold cure” — is a pain management technique that uses low temperatures to treat a variety of medical conditions, including things like sports injuries and arthritis. Whole-body and partial-body cryotherapy machines are used in businesses such as spas and resorts, sports rehabilitation, gyms, and medical facilities. Note, however, that while this technique has gained popularity in recent years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not actually cleared cryotherapy as a treatment for any specific medical condition.

Cryotherapy can be administered to the entire body or localized to treat a specific area. Usually, the only items of clothing worn while in a whole-body cryotherapy chamber are socks, slippers, gloves, and underwear. A person should be at least 14 years of age or older to use cryotherapy. People with high blood pressure, seizures, Raynaud’s, heart problems, vascular issues, clots or a brain aneurysm, stroke, or who are currently pregnant cannot participate in cryotherapy.

We’ve Done the Comparing for You — Here’s What We Recommend

Prices for cryotherapy machines vary widely based on the manufacturer and type of machine purchased. Whole-body cryotherapy machines are more expensive than partial-body cryotherapy saunas, while small machines that provide localized treatment are the least costly. Additionally, most machines use liquid nitrogen, which can be expensive to replenish.

For localized units, the most convenient, cost-effective, and positively reviewed machines are those sold by Aircast and Ossur, both of which you can find on Amazon for $150 or less.

For whole-body cryotherapy options, you will need to pay much more. US Cryotherapy offers the widest variety of high-quality machines, with the cheapest options (which use liquid nitrogen) starting at around $10,000. Keep in mind that while electric units will cost much more to buy upfront, the operating costs will be lower than for the machines that use liquid nitrogen.

Localized Cryotherapy Machines

For a small, localized machine, you can expect to pay as little as around $50, plus the price of accessories (such as additional pads) and operating costs. Other costs may include tax, delivery, and set-up, which vary by company. Below, we list the best places to buy localized cryotherapy machines, ordered starting with the best overall options.

Aircast Cryo/Cuff Non-Motorized Cooler

• Type: This machine provides localized treatment of pain and can be purchased along with the appropriate cuff for use on the knee, shoulder, back, ankle, or elbow.
• Cost: Varies based on the type of cuff; typically about $60 to $130
• Features: This system combines cold and compression, using gravity instead of a motor through a pneumatic pump located in the lid. It delivers chilled water directly into the cryo/cuff. This machine provides up to eight hours of localized pain relief.
• Order online

Ossur North America

• Type: Ossur Cold Rush Cold Therapy System was developed by Ossur North America to deliver localized pain relief and reduce swelling after surgery.
• Cost: Starting at around $150
• Features: This machine uses a brushless motor to provide a quiet atmosphere for those recuperating from surgery. It is very compact, weighing only 4.6 pounds. This design produces less heat transfer from the motor to the water to allow for up to six hours of continuous pain relief. To avoid damaging the skin, users must place a layer of insulation between the machine and their skin.
• Order online

Active Ice Therapy System by Polar Products

• Type: This unit provides localized treatment for pain relief and aids in a drug-free recovery after surgery; it is designed to be used for various parts of the body, including the shoulder, knee, and hip.
• Cost: Around $150 to $200
• Features: A nine-quart cooler with a lid that snaps into place, a timer that shuts off after 30 minutes for safety, a universal U-shaped pad, an elastic belt, insulated cool water lines, temperature control, and an AC adapter. Users can also purchase additional compression wraps.
• Order online

DonJoy

• Type: DonJoy created the IceMan CLEAR 3 for localized delivery of cold therapy for pain relief and reduced swelling after surgery.
• Cost: Starting at around $130
• Features: Due to the patented semi-close loop recirculation system, temperatures remain constant throughout the cold pad. The cooler is clear, allowing for users to determine when it is time for a refill. The unit is easy to use and lightweight.
• Order online from medical equipment retailers like Power Therapeutics and Serfinity Medical 

Cryotherapy Arctic Ice Cold Water Therapy

• Type: This machine provides controlled treatment for pain relief and can be purchased with a universal therapy pad, a large bootie, or a large black pad.
• Cost: Around $150 to $230, depending on the machine type
• Features: This unit includes a low-voltage pump, locking latch-top, temperature control, six feet of fully insulated hoses, quick disconnect lines, and either the universal therapy pad, large bootie or large black pad. This machine will provide up to seven hours of continuous cold therapy and maintains a constant temperature.
• Order online

CryoUSA Solutions

• Type: CryoUSA Solutions offers the Zimmer, a localized cryotherapy unit.
• Cost: About $7,800; financing is available through a third-party financing company.
• Features: This is an electric unit with closed-loop cooling circuit. Temperatures drop as low as -30 degrees Celsius. The Zimmer has nine fan speeds and a six-foot, lightweight hose.
• Order by calling the sales department at (972) 891-3003 or contacting CryoUSA Solutions online

Whole-Body Cryotherapy Machines

For a whole-body machine, prices can range from $10,000 for a basic model up to $150,000 for a high-end electric unit that can fit up to two people. Many whole-body machines are designed for commercial use, so it may be difficult to find options fit for residential homes. As with localized machines, be sure to consider the full operating costs, which can be much higher for bigger machines that use a lot of liquid nitrogen. Below, we list the best places to buy a whole-body cryotherapy machine, starting with the best overall options. Keep in mind that prices for things like installation and maintenance can vary widely by company.

US Cryotherapy

• Type: US Cryotherapy offers the C1 Target Air localized device for use in a person’s home.
• Cost: About $10,000
• Features: This 110V unit provides temperatures as low as -34 degrees Fahrenheit. It is portable for use in a variety of locations. This unit provides targeted, cold air, non-hazardous treatment and does not use liquid nitrogen.
• Find out more or order

CryoUSA Solutions

• Type: CryoUSA Solutions developed the Cryosense sauna
• Cost: Ranging from about $45,000 to $57,000; financing is available through a third-party company
• Features: This unit can provide both cryotherapy and heat at the same time, or clients can alternate between cold and heat. Another feature includes allowing a different temperature on top and on the bottom or a consistent temperature throughout.
• Order by calling the sales department at (972) 891-3003 or contacting CryoUSA Solutions online

US Cryotherapy

• Type: US Cryotherapy offers the C1 Recovery single room chamber for use in an individual’s home.
• Cost: Around $150,000. According to the CEO and co-owner of US Cryotherapy, this machine has very low operating expenses, unlike other machines that use liquid nitrogen. Because this machine does not use liquid nitrogen, this cuts down on the long-term costs and improves safety.
• Features: This is an electric, refrigerated unit that allows up to two people to enter at a time and accommodates up to 12 treatments per hour. This chamber does not use liquid nitrogen or forced air and therefore is appropriate for home use.
• Find out more or order

Professional Cryotherapy Sessions

If you do not want to buy your own cryotherapy machine, it is possible to enjoy the benefits of cryotherapy by purchasing sessions at a local facility. Two facilities that offer treatments throughout the country are CryoUSA Solutions and US Cryotherapy.

CryoUSA offers a single cryotherapy session for a new patient starting at only $25. For returning patients, this price goes up to $75. CryoUSA also offers packages containing multiple sessions ranging from $150 for three sessions to $450 for 10 sessions. For comparison, this means that you can get more than 200 sessions at a facility for the price of the cheapest possible whole-body units that you can purchase, and thousands of sessions for the price of a high-end home unit.

US Cryotherapy currently has locations in 10 states, and the company is actively expanding. It offers a range of treatments, from whole-body sessions to localized treatment. Monthly packages start at $79 for three sessions.

In Summary

There are several purported benefits to cryotherapy, and if you enjoy this type of treatment, you have the option of buying a cryotherapy machine for your own home. If you’re looking for a small machine that targets a single body part at a time, consider a unit from Aircast or Ossur, both of which you can find on Amazon for $150 or less. If you prefer a whole-body machine, you will need to be prepared to pay much more — at least $10,000 or more for a machine from US Cryotherapy. For a more cost-effective way to get whole-body treatment, you can find a local cryotherapy facility, most of which offer reasonably priced session packages.

Considering other types of relief? You may want to see our article about how much it costs to run a hot tub.