Cryotherapy
Popular among athletes such as LeBron James who claim the treatment helps their tired muscles recover faster, this cold therapy gives your body an instant endorphin boost. Hop into a shower-like stall where temperatures drop to 130- to 184-degrees below zero for three minutes. “It creates a cold shock in the body, which is a nervous system reaction that triggers the release of hormones like adrenaline, oxygenates your blood and increases circulation,” says Nate Miracle, owner of Cleveland Cryo in Beachwood. Those who suffer from arthritis and joint pain may find relief, while cryo facials give the skin a more natural glow and help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. “Cryo also improves mental clarity,” says Miracle, “so you feel like you can take on your day.” 23400 Mercantile, Suite 5, Beachwood, 216-832-9212, clevelandcryo.net
Float Therapy
Used as a way to help manage stress, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, insomnia, and muscle and joint pain, floating tanks require little effort or experience. Just float and relax. A 60- or 90-minute session inside a salt-water tank filled with a foot of water and 1,000 pounds of Epsom salt makes it impossible to sink. “It’s a process of letting go,” says Richard Hlavaty, owner of Zen Float Center in Streetsboro and a Marine veteran who discovered float therapy while searching for a way to manage mental health issues. “Floating takes the effect of gravity off your body and allows you to decompress.” 9088 Superior Ave., Suite 101, Streetsboro, 330-968-4376, zenfloatcenter.com
Special Treatment
For those moments when you need a little TLC, the Balanced Living Center’s Specialty Room can help you recharge. A dedicated space that includes a float therapy tank, infrared sauna and hyperbaric chamber allows individuals or couples to experience all three therapies in private. Undergoing the treatments in succession — repairing muscles in the hyperbaric chamber, stabilizing your pH while relaxing in the float tank and releasing toxins in the sauna — helps thoroughly repair and restore your body. “The treatments play off of each other when you do them together during a 3 1/2 hour experience,” says executive director Kylie Kukul. “You can really retreat in a self-contained space.” 16600 Sprague Road, Suite 90, Middleburg Heights, 440-941-0425, thebalancedlivingcenter.com
Click here to read the full list of 20 Best Northeast Ohio Spas.
Spa Guide: 3 Alt-Spas
Relax, there's an alternative. If traditional spas aren't for you, try one of these different approaches.
