Cryotherapy in Spain: Complete Guide to Prices, Benefits & Top Clinics

Cryotherapy is a therapeutic technique that exposes the body to extremely low temperatures (between -110 °C and -140 °C) for a brief period of 2 to 3 minutes. Sessions take place in whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) chambers that use liquid nitrogen or electric refrigeration. The intense cold triggers profound physiological responses that reduce inflammation, accelerate muscle recovery, and stimulate the nervous system.

Origin and history

Whole-body cryotherapy was developed in Japan in 1978 by Dr. Toshima Yamauchi to treat rheumatoid arthritis. It arrived in Europe in the 1980s and gained widespread adoption in elite sports from 2010 onwards.

1. Pre-session assessment Screening for contraindications, blood pressure and baseline temperature. Informed consent.

2. Preparation Protective gear (socks, gloves, dry underwear). Skin must be completely dry.

3. 2–3 min session Entry into the chamber at -110 °C / -140 °C. A technician monitors throughout from outside.

4. Reactivation Light exercise for 5–10 minutes post-session to reactivate peripheral circulation.

5. Follow-up Subjective response logged. Session frequency adjusted based on individual goals.

• Significant reduction in systemic inflammation
• Accelerated post-exercise muscle recovery
• Improved mood and reduced oxidative stress
• Boosted metabolism and calorie expenditure
• Relief from chronic joint and muscle pain
• Improved sleep quality
• Activation of the innate immune system

• 1Athletes and active individuals seeking optimal recovery
• 2People with chronic inflammation or joint pain
• 3Those looking to optimise mental performance
• 4Individuals interested in anti-ageing protocols
• 5People living with fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue

• Severe cardiovascular conditions or pacemakers
• Raynaud's disease or cryoglobulinaemia
• Open wounds or active skin infections
• Pregnancy

Clinics on LongevityMap declare their exact equipment for objective scoring.

€40–90 per session

3–5 sessions/week (maintenance: 1–2/week)

Prices vary by clinic, equipment and practitioner experience. LongevityMap compares price and quality so you always make the best decision.

Extreme cold causes peripheral vasoconstriction followed by vasodilation, releasing norepinephrine (up to a 300% increase) and endorphins. Studies published in the Journal of Inflammation Research show 20–30% reductions in inflammatory markers such as IL-6 and TNF-α after regular sessions. Cold-induced vagus nerve activation also improves heart rate variability.