Localized cryotherapy, also called spot or targeted cryotherapy, focuses cold, dry air on one area you choose. At NOLA Chill on Magazine Street it’s a 10-minute appointment in a private room, $35 per area. Here’s what a session is like for the areas clients ask about most, and when to check with a clinician first.
Localized cryotherapy at a glance
| Also called | Spot cryotherapy, targeted cryotherapy, local cryotherapy |
|---|---|
| Appointment | 10 minutes, one area per session |
| Time in the cold | 2 to 5 minutes depending on the area; most treatments average about 3 minutes, inside the 10-minute appointment |
| Price | $35 per area. Packages: 5 for $150 or 10 for $225. |
| Machine | XCryo, an electric cold-air machine with a handheld applicator. It’s the same machine we use for CryoFacials. |
| Where | A private treatment room at 6045 Magazine Street, with a staff member guiding the session |
| Afterward | You stay dry, so you can go straight back to work or the rest of your day |
New to the idea? Start with what localized cryotherapy is, or see the localized cryotherapy service page.
Session notes by body area
| Area | When clients often book it | Pairs well with |
|---|---|---|
| Knees | After a run, pickleball, tennis, stairs or a long day on your feet | Celluma LED ($35) or NormaTec ($30) |
| Shoulders | After lifting, swimming, overhead work or a long drive | Hydromassage ($30) |
| Elbows | After tennis, pickleball, golf, lifting or a long shift behind the bar | Celluma LED ($35) |
| Ankles and calves | During race training, after dance or soccer, or after a double on your feet | NormaTec ($30) |
| Lower back and hips | After yard work, moving day, a long flight or a week at a desk | Hydromassage ($30) or a private sauna ($30) |
Wear whatever you like. The cold air goes directly on bare skin, so just make sure you can uncover the area. Want cold on one area and warmth on another? Localized cryo plus Celluma is $70 as two appointments, and Hydromassage plus Celluma is a $50 combo.
What happens in 10 minutes
- Check in. Staff asks which area you want and a few screening questions about recent injuries or surgery, skin sensation and sensitivity to cold.
- Get set up. Staff gets you comfortable in a private room, positioned for the area you chose.
- The cold part. Staff guides the XCryo applicator over the area, keeps it moving and checks your comfort. The cold itself lasts 2 to 5 minutes depending on the area, about 3 minutes on average. It feels very cold. Say the word and they’ll pause or stop.
- Back to your day. No shower and no change of clothes. The appointment fits a lunch break.
Localized, whole body or Celluma?
- Localized cryotherapy: cold air on one area, in a 10-minute appointment. $35.
- Whole body cryotherapy: cold air all over, 3 to 5 minutes in an electric chamber at about −110°F with a staff member present. $50, or $25 for your first session. See whole body vs. localized cryotherapy.
- Celluma LED: light and gentle warmth on one area for 30 minutes, $35. Its FDA clearance includes the temporary relief of minor muscle and joint pain and stiffness.
You can book localized right after a whole body session when one spot wants extra attention. Not sure which fits? The guide to choosing a session for everyday soreness compares all the options.
Who books localized cryotherapy
- Runners and walkers building mileage for fall and winter races (fall race training)
- Pickleball, tennis and golf players
- Lifters and people who train at CrossFit or a gym
- Restaurant, hotel and hospital workers after long shifts on their feet
- Military, police, firefighters, EMS and other first responders, who save 25% on eligible sessions and packages (first responder pricing)
- College students, who save 15% on eligible sessions and packages (student pricing)
- Adults 60+ who’d rather focus on one knee or shoulder than use the chamber (gentle options for 60+)
Packages if you’ll come back
A single session is $35. The 5-pack is $150, or $30 a session. The 10-pack is $225, or $22.50 a session. Packages last 12 months and can be shared. No membership is needed, and you can pay after your visit. See all pricing and packages.
Check with a clinician before booking if you have:
- a new injury, sudden swelling, or trouble putting weight on a leg
- severe, sharp or unexplained pain, numbness or weakness
- recent surgery in the area (ask your surgeon about this specific cold-air service)
- broken skin, altered skin sensation, or a cold-sensitive condition such as Raynaud’s
Localized cryotherapy is a wellness service. It isn’t a diagnosis or a treatment, and experiences vary. Our evidence library explains what research does and doesn’t show.
Questions
What should I wear to localized cryotherapy? Anything you like, as long as you can uncover the area. Staff applies the cold air directly to bare skin, so shorts or a loose sleeve make a knee or elbow easy.
Can I do two areas in one visit? Yes, when the schedule allows. Each area is its own $35 session, so a knee and a shoulder is two sessions. Packages lower the price per session.
Does localized cryotherapy hurt? It feels very cold on the skin. Staff keeps the applicator moving and checks in throughout. Tell them right away if anything is painful and they’ll stop.
Does it use liquid nitrogen? No. The XCryo is an electric machine that blows very cold, dry air.
Can I go back to work right after? Yes. You stay dry and the appointment is 10 minutes.
Does localized cryotherapy treat tendinitis, arthritis or an injury? NOLA Chill doesn’t diagnose or treat conditions. If you have an injury or ongoing pain, see a clinician first.
Where can I get localized cryotherapy in New Orleans? At NOLA Chill, 6045 Magazine Street in Uptown, open seven days a week with parking in front. Book online, or call or text (504) 381-4207.
Open Monday to Friday 9am to 7pm, Saturday 9am to 4pm and Sunday 10am to 3pm. Reviewed by the NOLA Chill team · 6045 Magazine St, New Orleans.