Contrast Therapy: Pairing Infrared Sauna With Cryotherapy
Updated October 20, 2026 · 2 min read
Hot. Then cold. Then that incredible, wide-awake, refreshed feeling.
Contrast therapy, alternating heat and cold, has been used for generations, from Nordic sauna-and-snow traditions to modern pro sports recovery rooms. At iCRYO Avon, you can do it with infrared sauna and cryotherapy under one roof.
What Is Contrast Therapy?
Contrast therapy means moving between hot and cold. Heat relaxes muscles and widens blood vessels. Cold constricts them. Switching between the two creates a "pumping" effect that many people find great for recovery.
How It Works With Sauna and Cryo
Heat: infrared sauna
Warmth relaxes muscles, increases circulation and brings on a deep sweat. Learn more in What Is an Infrared Sauna?
Cold: cryotherapy
Up to about 3 minutes of extreme dry cold triggers your body's cold response, leaving you alert and energized. Learn more in What Is Whole-Body Cryotherapy?
Benefits People Love
- Recovery after workouts, races or ski days
- Less soreness
- Energy boost from finishing cold
- Relaxation from the heat
- Better mood, a reset for body and mind
How to Do Contrast Therapy at iCRYO
A simple approach. Our team will help you personalize it.
- Hydrate before you start
- Infrared sauna: warm up and relax
- Cool down briefly and dry off completely (moisture makes cryo feel colder)
- Cryotherapy: up to about 3 minutes
- Rehydrate and enjoy the rush
Sauna first or cryo first?
Many people end with cold for an energizing finish. If you want to relax before bed, ending with heat may feel better. There's no single right answer.
Who Should Talk to Us First?
Check with our team before trying contrast therapy if you:
- Have heart conditions or high blood pressure
- Have Raynaud's or cold sensitivity
- Are pregnant
- Feel unwell or have a fever
Contrast Therapy for Farmington Valley Athletes
After a ski day, a long run or a ride on the Greenway, contrast therapy is a great way to recover. Add compression therapy for tired legs. Read Cryotherapy for Skiers, Runners and Weekend Athletes in the Farmington Valley.
Compare cold options in Whole-Body Cryotherapy vs. Ice Baths.
Ready to feel the hot-cold difference?
Infrared Sauna in Avon, CT
iCRYO Avon is at 315 W Main St #113, Avon, CT 06001, on West Main Street (Route 44) with free on-site parking. We welcome clients from Farmington, Simsbury, Canton, Burlington, Unionville and West Hartford.
Questions? Call (860) 764-4133.
Infrared Sauna FAQs
What is contrast therapy?
Contrast therapy alternates heat and cold, such as an infrared sauna session followed by cryotherapy, to support recovery, circulation and an energized feeling.
Should I do sauna or cryotherapy first?
Many people do sauna first to warm and relax, then finish with cryotherapy for an energizing finish. Some prefer the reverse. Our team can help you choose.
What are the benefits of contrast therapy?
People use contrast therapy to support recovery, ease soreness, boost energy and feel refreshed. Research on contrast therapy is promising but still developing.
Is contrast therapy safe?
For most healthy people, yes. Talk with our team first if you have heart conditions, blood pressure issues, Raynaud's or are pregnant.
iCRYO Avon Team
The iCRYO Avon team helps clients across Avon and the Greater Hartford area look and feel their best.
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Whole-Body Cryotherapy vs. Ice Baths: Which Is Better?
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Learn more about Infrared Sauna in Avon, CT
View the Infrared Sauna service page →