Freeze your way to a healthy body

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- It certainly hasn't felt like a winter wonderland outside, but now there's a way to get chilling health benefits without leaving Houston.

Cryotherapy is a treatment that became cool in the 1970s. It first appeared in Japan to aid Reumatoid Arthritis.

Then in 2000, scientists for the Polish Olympic team offered Cryotherapy to rehabilitate their athletes.

Now, it has made its way to America, and people are freezing their way to a fit and healthy body.

Tisa Foster had reconstructive knee surgery a few years ago and often dealt with pain after exercising. When she heard about Cryotherapy, she decided to give it a try.

"I was a little nervous. I didn't know what to expect," Foster said. "I noticed after a couple times my muscles weren't as sore after working out. I noticed my knee was feeling better."

Participants strip down for a three minute treatment in the chamber where a gas form of liquid nitrogen circulates around their bodies. The temperature inside the chamber dips to -250 degrees Fahrenheit.

"We take you from normal temperature to the coldest place on earth in about 30 seconds. The brain immediately thinks you're in a do or die scenario," said Paul Colosky, owner of Valeo Physical Therapy.

Colosky brought Cryotherapy to his physical therapy studio to help his patients with chronic inflammatory diseases like Arthritis and Fibromyalgia. He says a large part of his business is now athletes and those wanting to lose weight.

Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Naimi comes to cryotherapy daily.

"Psychologically, you're thinking, 'Am I going to freeze in here?' The answer is no," Al-Naimi said. "Scientifically, what happens is, you get a jumpstart on your metabolism."

Al-Naimi says research shows that Cryotherapy can increase calorie burn by 500-800 calories per day.

"There's a cognitive effect, as well. The feeling of energy, of more relaxation," Al-Naimi said.

That relaxation leads to better sleep.

"There's no more insomnia. I'm sleeping like a baby now," Foster said.

Participants can safely go to Cryotherapy treatments every day.

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For more from Valeo Physical Therapy, visit www.valeopt.com