What Is Cryotherapy? 13 Celebrities Who Swear By The Controversial Treatment

Celebrities are freezing their butts off — literally — in the hopes of curing whatever ails them, soothing their aching muscles and shedding pounds fast. Musicians, actors, and athletes alike have vouched for the treatment, posting photos of themselves at their designated cryotherapy treatment centers.

Despite the boost from celebrities, the Food and Drug Association (FDA) has some reservations about whole-body cryotherapy (WBC). According to Us Weekly, the organization does not believe that this healing method works at all. In fact, the FDA warns that cryotherapy can be incredible dangerous, causing “asphyxiation, especially when liquid nitrogen is used for cooling.” Other potential dangers include frostbite, burns to various parts of the body and injury to the eye.

“Based on purported health benefits seen in many promotions for cryotherapy spas, consumers may incorrectly believe that the FDA has cleared or approved WBC devices as safe and effective to treat medical conditions,” Aron Yustein, M.D., medical officer in the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health, said in a statement. “This is not the case.”

Will that stop these cryotherapy lovin’ celebs from partaking? We’d venture to guess not, but only time will tell. Here are 13 celebrities that use this controversial method of healing:

1. Yolanda Hadid:

During Season 6 of Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” Yolanda brought several of her co-stars along to undergo cryotherapy with her. While neither Kyle Richards nor Lisa Vanderpump were too keen on the subzero temperatures, Yolanda couldn’t get enough.

2. Floyd Mayweather Jr.:

Ahead of his fight with Manny Pacquiao, boxer Floyd Mayweather turned to cryotherapy. As was previously reported, the chamber used during Mayweather’s treatment was minus 240 degrees Fahrenheit. He dipped his body in the tank of nitrogen gas for three minutes in the hopes of speeding up his body’s recovery time. Mayweather is said to have visited Subzero Recovery in Las Vegas almost daily during his training for the $300 million fight.

3. Derek Hough:

This “Dancing With the Stars” pro has been known to share photos from the cryotherapy chamber with his 1.7 million Instagram followers. It remains unclear why he uses the treatment. It has, however, been nearly one year since he shared a Cryo selfie.

4. Daniel Craig:

In preparation for his role as James Bond in “Skyfall,” the England native is said to have turned to cryotherapy to maintain his physique.

5. Cristiano Ronaldo:

How do professional athletes nurse on-field injuries? Cryotherapy. Real Madrid C.F. player Cristiano Ronaldo is particularly fond of the treatment, and purchased a machine of his own to avoid having to schedule appointments, Daily Mail reports.

6. Lindsay Lohan:

In 2015, the “Mean Girls” actress shared several cryotherapy selfies with fans. She has not posted one in quite some time, making it unclear whether she still uses this method. However, 15 weeks ago she did introduce her father to the wonders of cryotherapy.

7. Mandy Moore:

The actress is “obsessed” with cryotherapy according to an Instagram post from 2015.

8. Alicia Keys:

In addition to caring for her voice, the “In Common” singer reportedly partakes in cryotherapy to care for her body.

9. The New York Knicks:

This NBA franchise is just one of many teams believed to use cryotherapy to keep its star players performing well. The team is so fond of the treatment, in fact, that it has two of its own machines, according to CNN.

10. Demi Moore:

In November 2012, Daily Mail reported that Demi Moore used cryotherapy to maintain her youthful appearance. Ahead of her 50th birthday she was seen visiting the Cryohealthcare Clinic in Los Angeles — a facility which specializes in anti-aging treatments.

11. Mark Ballas:

Derek Hough isn’t the only “DWTS” pro using cryotherapy as a secret weapon. According to a post on his Instagram from 14 weeks ago, Mark Ballas also swears by the unconventional treatment.

12. Jessica Alba:

Cryo.com alleges that the Honest Company founder is just one of many celebrities who have turned to cryotherapy for it’s anti-aging benefits.

13. Jennifer Aniston:

It’s no secret that the “Horrible Bosses” actress hasn’t aged a bit since her days on “Friends,” but could it be that cryotherapy is the reason? According to Shape magazine, Aniston is one of many females in Hollywood who rely on cryotherapy to keep their skin looking youthful and their figure in check. Treatments in the icey cold temperatures are said to burn about 800 calories in just three minutes.

Would you try cryotherapy despite the FDA’s warning? Sound off on Twitter or in the comment section.