Short Answer: Most research seems to show that cryotherapy sessions are as effective as ice baths at reducing inflammation while taking ⅕ of the time and not nearly as much discomfort. However, the cost of a session is far more expensive than a simple ice bath.
Longer Answer: Whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) has built up a following in the elite athlete recovery sphere, with superstars like Lebron James touting the benefits and even installing a cryotherapy chamber in his home. The theory behind WBC is to expose the body to freezing temperatures, sometimes as low as -300 °C, for a few minutes at a time; this flash freeze slows blood flow to inflamed areas, reducing swelling and pain. Given the extremely low temperatures of the chamber, participants must wear protective clothing to shield extremities and sensitive areas from frostbite. This additional risk is one reason that some scientists have suggested that the benefits of WBC outweigh the potential downsides; one mistake could lead to serious bodily harm or even death. While many celebrities swear by its benefits, there isn’t much evidence to show that it elicits a more robust recovery than traditional whole-body immersion techniques like an ice bath. Ice baths have been used throughout history to invigorate the body; all kinds of cultures, from the Vikings to the ancient Chinese, viewed the ice bath or cold plunge as a way to shock the body into working better. However, an ice bath can be deeply uncomfortable as people often have to sit in the water for 20 minutes to get the full effect, which can feel like an unbearably long time. Proponents of WBC cite this as a significant advantage over cold water immersion; with only a couple of minutes in the chamber, it can feel like far less of a process than the ice bath. That convenience does come at a price as often a single cryotherapy session can set you back $60-$100. For celebrities, that price is nothing to balk at, but the average sore runner will see that ice bath or pack as far more tempting.