WHAT ARE WBC CONTRAINDICATIONS?

What are the contraindications, age limits and side effects of WBC

ABSOLUTE CONTRAINDICATIONS:

1. Untreated hypertension
2. Myocardial infarction occurring less than 6 months prior to treatment
3. Decompensated disorders of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems
4. Unstable angina pectoris
5. Cardiac pacemaker
6. Obstructive peripheral arterial diseases (Fontaine stages III and IV)
7. Past history of venous thrombosis
8. Acute febrile respiratory illnesses
9. Acute disorders of the kidneys and urinary system
10. Severe anemia
11. Manifestations of cold allergy
12. Disorders resulting in significant cachexia
13. Epilepsy
14. Extensive bacterial or viral skin infections, disturbances in wound healing
15. Person under the influence of alcohol or drugs  

RELATIVE CONTRAINDICATIONS:

1. Heart rhythm disturbances
2. Heart valve defects
3. Status post cardiac surgery
4. Ischemic heart disease
5. Raynaud’s syndrome
6. Polyneuropathies
7. Pregnancy after the 4th month
8. Vasculitis
9. Claustrophobia
10. Hypothyroidism
11. Hyperhidrosis

AGE LIMITS
WBC may be used in young children (ages 4‐6) (using cold chamber temperatures of ‐100°C).

For children, the frequency and duration of treatment (maximum of 2 minutes) should be modified.

The upper age limit is determined by the personal general physical condition.

SIDE EFFECTS
WBC is very well tolerated and has been marked by high compliance.

If one strictly adheres to the indications, contraindications and procedural rules, side effects are extremely rare.

They may include:

• Local 1st and 2nd degree frostbite
• Headaches or intensification of existing pains
• Unphysiological rise in arterial blood pressure
• Symptoms of cold allergy  

See link to our articles for more on whole-body cryotherapy and the benefits.