Cryotherapy involves using extreme cold temperatures to produce a therapeutic response in the body. This application is utilized in two distinct settings: the regulated medical environment for specific treatments and the non-medical wellness industry for recovery and general well-being. The crucial difference lies in who is qualified to administer the procedure and the regulatory framework governing their actions. Understanding these varying professional standards is necessary for anyone considering cryotherapy.
Licensed Medical Professionals and Targeted Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy, when used to treat a diagnosed medical condition, is performed by licensed healthcare providers within a clinical setting. These procedures are highly targeted and often involve the controlled destruction of abnormal or diseased tissue using intensely cold probes or sprays. This application is considered the practice of medicine and requires formal training and a professional license.
Dermatologists frequently use cryotherapy, specifically cryosurgery, to freeze and remove benign skin lesions like warts and skin tags, as well as certain forms of early-stage skin cancer. The procedure involves applying a cooling agent, typically liquid nitrogen, directly to the affected area to induce cell death through ice crystal formation. Oncologists and specialized surgeons also employ cryoablation techniques to destroy internal tumors in organs like the prostate, kidney, and liver.
Physician Assistants (PAs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs) may also perform certain cryotherapy procedures, but they always operate under the supervision and protocols established by a licensed physician. These medical applications require prescription-strength cooling agents and are considered invasive or near-invasive procedures that necessitate a formal medical diagnosis. The equipment used in these medical settings, such as cryosurgical units, is often classified as a medical device subject to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance or approval for specific medical purposes.
Technicians and Whole-Body Wellness Applications
In contrast to the targeted medical approach, whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) and localized cryo-saunas are offered in wellness centers, spas, and athletic recovery facilities. These non-medical applications expose the body to ultra-low temperatures for short durations to promote muscle recovery, pain management, and general wellness. The individuals who administer these sessions are typically trained technicians or operators, not licensed healthcare providers.
The technician’s role is centered on client safety, equipment operation, and monitoring the session from outside the chamber. They must be proficient in the safe handling and storage of the cryogenic gas, often liquid nitrogen, as improper use poses a serious risk of asphyxiation or cold burns. Training programs for these operators cover equipment maintenance, emergency protocols, and the use of safety features like oxygen level monitoring and automatic shut-offs.
A key part of the technician’s responsibility is screening clients for contraindications such as severe hypertension, pregnancy, or cold allergies. The technician controls the temperature and duration of the session, ensuring the client adheres to all safety guidelines, including wearing protective gear for extremities. This operational training is specific to the equipment being used and focuses strictly on the delivery of the cold exposure, rather than the diagnosis or treatment of a medical condition.
Defining Regulatory and Training Standards
The legal and operational standards for cryotherapy depend on the procedure’s purpose and its claims. Medical cryotherapy falls under the strict oversight of state medical licensing boards, requiring practitioners to possess formal degrees, certifications, and licenses. This framework ensures that procedures making claims to treat or cure a disease are performed by professionals with extensive medical training.
For whole-body and wellness cryotherapy applications, the regulatory environment is far less standardized, often lacking consistent federal or state-level licensing requirements for the technicians themselves. The FDA has not cleared or approved any whole-body cryotherapy devices for the treatment of specific medical conditions. Operators must avoid making medical claims that would classify their service as the practice of medicine. The training technicians receive is typically a certification provided by the equipment manufacturer or an accredited training course, focusing on operational proficiency and safety protocols.
Some states have begun to implement guidelines or require physician oversight for WBC facilities to ensure safety, recognizing the potential risks associated with extreme cold exposure and cryogenic gasses. The necessary qualifications hinge on whether the service is presented as a medical procedure requiring a license or a wellness application requiring operational training and adherence to local safety and mechanical codes. The distinction between a licensed medical professional providing a targeted treatment and a trained technician operating a wellness device is the primary determinant of who can legally perform cryotherapy.