Frequently asked questions

High-Pressure Cryotherapy (HPC) is a targeted treatment that rapidly cools the skin over a specific area using high-pressure carbon dioxide (CO₂). Treatment is focused on the affected area rather than the whole body. HPC is the same treatment we previously called HPMC. Our goal is to help reduce pain and inflammation while supporting mobility and recovery.

An ice pack is a familiar form of cold therapy, and HPC is also cold therapy. It delivers intense cold from high-pressure CO₂ to a defined area for about 3–6 minutes. Skin-surface temperature is checked between short application intervals, and the common final target is the mid-to-upper 30s °F (about 2–4°C), while an ice pack session is often 15–20 minutes. If your clinician recommends ice or cold therapy, you can ask whether HPC may be a good fit.

No. Whole-body cryotherapy exposes the entire body to extreme cold, usually in a chamber. HPC is applied only to the specific area being treated.

Most people describe an intense cold sensation that passes quickly. Your provider explains what to expect before treatment begins.

Treatment typically takes about 3–6 minutes per area, depending on the body part. Your first visit usually takes 10–20 minutes including the consultation.

Patients often seek HPC for pain and inflammation related to arthritis, sciatica, back and neck pain, shoulder, knee, and hip pain, plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, bursitis, tennis and golfer's elbow, and sports injuries. See our conditions pages for details.

For most people, we recommend an initial series of four to five sessions, then we check how you are doing. Many patients report relief after one or two visits, although individual responses may vary. Your plan depends on your situation, and we review how you are doing along the way. Results vary.

Most people return to normal daily activity after a treatment visit, as tolerated. We suggest avoiding aggressive exercise or heavy lifting on a very irritated area, and your provider will go over any recommendations specific to you. If you are recovering from surgery or an injury, follow your doctor's activity limits.

We talk through your symptoms and goals, identify the area to be treated, and determine whether HPC may be appropriate for your individual needs.

HPC is not right for everyone. We do not treat over open wounds, fresh incisions or infection, or when there is a suspected blood clot, a cold-related blood disorder, severe cold sensitivity, or a suspected fracture that has not been checked. We use extra caution with conditions that affect sensation or circulation, such as diabetes, neuropathy, Raynaud's phenomenon and blood thinners. After surgery we need your surgeon's clearance and at least 10 days since the procedure, and we never treat over an incision. We review all of this with you first, and you should follow your physician's guidance.

Pricing depends on the number of areas treated in a session. See our pricing page for current rates.

Yes. HPC uses intense cold from high-pressure CO₂ applied to the skin over the sore area. No drugs are involved, and nothing is taken by mouth. If you take medication, keep following your doctor's guidance and mention it at your consultation.

HPC involves no needles, no incisions and no surgery, because the cold is applied to the skin surface. It is not a substitute for medical care. If your doctor has recommended an injection or another treatment, talk with them about your options and what is right for you.

If you would rather avoid medication, injections or surgery, HPC is a drug-free, needle-free, non-surgical option you can ask about. Cold applied to the sore area for about 3–6 minutes may help manage pain and stiffness for many people. It does not cure the underlying cause, results vary, and it is not right for everyone. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.

No. Nothing cures arthritis, disc problems or most long-standing pain, and HPC does not claim to. Treatment is aimed at the sore area, and for many people it may help manage inflammation and symptoms. Results vary.

The main things to know are the intense cold sensation during treatment, which passes quickly, and the possibility of an unusual skin reaction or lasting numbness. Your provider checks your skin and comfort throughout and stops if something does not feel right. Contact us after treatment if you notice blistering, an unusual skin reaction, numbness that does not go away, or worsening pain.

HPC does not replace your medication or medical care. Keep taking medication as your doctor directs, and tell us what you take, because some medications, such as blood thinners, mean we use extra caution. Never stop a prescription because of a treatment here.

Then we will tell you. We only treat if we think we can help. Some symptoms need a doctor first, such as loss of bowel or bladder control, new or worsening weakness, fever with a hot swollen joint, chest pain, or a suspected fracture, and we will point you there. If you have not noticed meaningful improvement after several visits, we also suggest seeing a qualified healthcare provider.

510(k) testing for the AC-130 Viper is scheduled to begin in late 2026. The device has not been cleared or approved by the FDA.

HPC does not repair torn tissue. For some people with mild, low-grade tears it may help manage the pain and inflammation around the knee or shoulder. Higher-grade tears, especially with locking, giving way, or real weakness, usually need an orthopedic evaluation first because surgery may be needed. We review your history and imaging at the consultation and only treat if we think we can help. Results vary.

Mild, low-grade strains, sprains and partial tears mainly cause pain and inflammation, and that is where HPC may help. Complete ruptures, large tears and unstable joints usually need a surgical opinion, and we will tell you if we think that is the right next step. Only a doctor can tell you which category an injury falls into.

The Viper Skin is a thin protective barrier we place over the treatment area. The cold from the high-pressure CO₂ passes through it to reach the skin. It is part of how we deliver treatment: it helps protect the skin and helps keep treatment comfortable. You will see it in our treatment photos and videos.