Pairing Cryotherapy with Other Wellness Modalities

Cryotherapy is powerful on its own, but it truly shines when paired with other wellness treatments. That’s why most recovery centers, athletic facilities, and wellness studios that offer cryotherapy also provide a range of complementary modalities—from infrared saunas to compression therapy to red light. These pairings aren’t just about convenience—they’re about maximizing your results.

By combining cryotherapy with other modalities, you can:

• Support deeper recovery and repair

• Enhance circulation and detoxification

• Boost skin health

• Promote overall well-being, faster

One of the most common questions we get is: “How long should I wait between cryotherapy and another modality?” 

It’s a great question—but not one with a one-size-fits-all answer. It really depends on the individual, the specific model or brand of the other modality you’re pairing it with at times, and your personal goals—whether that’s recovery, relaxation, performance, or aesthetics.

But don’t worry: here’s a general guide to help you plan your sessions safely and effectively.

Infrared Sauna

What it is: An infrared sauna uses light waves to heat your body directly (instead of just heating the air), helping promote detoxification, relaxation, and muscle recovery.

Why pair it with cryo: After the cold shock of cryotherapy, gentle infrared heat can feel soothing and help loosen muscles. When paired together as contrast therapy, cryotherapy and infrared sauna can help train your body to better tolerate physical and mental stress—and may even support a stronger immune system by encouraging adaptability and resilience.

How to do it safely & effectively: Wait at least 30 minutes after cryotherapy before stepping into the sauna. This gives your body time to gradually return to its normal temperature and avoids stressing your system with extreme temperature swings.

Red Light Therapy

What it is: Red light therapy exposes your skin to low-level wavelengths of red or near-infrared light, which can help stimulate collagen production, reduce inflammation, and support cellular repair.

Why pair it with cryo: Cryo reduces inflammation and stimulates circulation, while red light supports skin health and recovery—together, they’re a powerful combo.

How to do it safely & effectively:  No wait needed. You can use red light therapy immediately after cryotherapy for a time-efficient, recovery-boosting session.

Compression Therapy

What it is: Compression therapy involves wearing sleeves or garments that apply controlled pressure to your limbs, enhancing blood flow and reducing swelling.

Why pair it with cryo: The cold reduces inflammation, and compression helps move fluids and encourage circulation—perfect for post-workout recovery or injury prevention.

How to do it safely & effectively: You can use compression before or after cryotherapy. If you choose to do it after, it works well to start right away or within the next hour.

IV Therapy

What it is: IV therapy delivers fluids, vitamins, and nutrients directly into your bloodstream for rapid absorption, helping with hydration, immunity, and energy.

Why pair it with cryo: Combining IV therapy with cryotherapy can help your body recover inside and out—reducing inflammation while replenishing vital nutrients. Doing IV therapy before cryo is especially beneficial because cryotherapy helps distribute those nutrients more efficiently throughout your body by increasing circulation and moving freshly oxygenated blood.

How to do it safely & effectively: No wait needed. You can do IV therapy before or after cryotherapy, whichever works best for your schedule.

EM Muscle Stimulation

What it is: EM (electromagnetic) muscle stimulation uses targeted electrical impulses to activate muscle contractions, supporting toning, strengthening, and recovery.

Why pair it with cryo: The cold from cryo can help prep your body for deeper muscle engagement during EM stimulation, making the pairing especially effective for performance and recovery.

How to do it safely & effectively: You can begin EM muscle stimulation right after cryotherapy, but it’s a good idea to allow yourself to warm back up a bit first so your muscles aren’t stiff. This helps ensure a more comfortable and effective session.

Lymphatic Drainage

What it is: Lymphatic drainage uses gentle pressure (via manual massage or a specialized suit) to stimulate the lymphatic system, helping flush out toxins and excess fluids.

Why pair it with cryo: Cryotherapy fights inflammation, and lymphatic drainage helps remove waste—together, they support detoxification and fluid balance.

How to do it safely & effectively: You can schedule lymphatic drainage before or after cryotherapy or within an hour.

Aesthetic Treatments (e.g., Laser, Microneedling, Chemical Peels)

What they are: Aesthetic treatments like laser therapies, microneedling, or chemical peels work by creating controlled damage to the skin to stimulate healing, collagen production, or resurfacing.

How to do it safely and effectively: It’s best to wait at least a few hours, and most importantly, consult your provider before combining cryotherapy with any aesthetic treatment. Your provider can advise the safest timeline based on your skin and the procedure.

Final Thoughts

Pairing cryotherapy with other wellness modalities can take your recovery, performance, and self-care routine to the next level. Whether you’re combining it with infrared heat, compression, red light, IV therapy, or muscle stimulation, thoughtful planning helps you get the most benefit while keeping your body safe. Remember—timing matters. Allow your body time to adjust between cold, heat, or stimulation, and always consult a provider when you’re unsure, especially with treatments that affect your skin.

By understanding how to safely combine these powerful tools, you can create a recovery plan that works harder for you—helping you feel stronger, healthier, and more resilient with every session.