At Float Therapy Wilmslow, we are committed to pioneering holistic wellness experiences that support your mental clarity, physical recovery, and emotional balance. We’re proud to introduce our newest offering: Contrast Therapy, a dynamic and time-honoured technique that alternates between the soothing heat of an infrared sauna and the invigorating chill of an ice bath.
If you’re seeking a powerful method to enhance recovery, reduce stress, and supercharge your well-being, contrast therapy could be your new secret weapon.
Contrast therapy is the practice of moving between hot and cold temperatures — in our case, a 15-20 minute infrared sauna session followed by a 2-3 minute ice bath immersion. This alternating exposure stimulates your cardiovascular, lymphatic, and nervous systems, promoting a range of physiological responses that are both therapeutic and energising.
At Float Therapy Wilmslow, we combine state-of-the-art infrared sauna technology with professional-grade cold immersion baths to deliver a safe and effective experience tailored to your individual comfort and goals.
While traditional contrast therapy uses dry heat and cold water, our method leverages infrared heat, which penetrates deeper into your tissues, offering enhanced benefits without the overwhelming intensity of traditional saunas.
Combining infrared heat with a cold plunge offers a powerful one-two punch:
Infrared Sauna (Heat Phase):
Increases blood flow
Promotes detoxification through sweating
Relieves muscle and joint stiffness
Supports mental relaxation and clarity
Ice Bath (Cold Phase):
Reduces inflammation
Eases muscle soreness and speeds up recovery
Stimulates the vagus nerve (promoting calm and resilience)
Triggers endorphin release and mood elevation
Together, they create a balanced protocol that trains your body to respond more adaptively to physical and emotional stressors.
Athletes and active individuals love contrast therapy for its ability to reduce post-exercise muscle soreness (DOMS). The heat dilates blood vessels, bringing in nutrients and oxygen, while the cold constricts them, flushing out lactic acid and metabolic waste.
The alternating hot-cold exposure acts as a natural pump, enhancing blood circulation and vascular tone. This can improve heart health and help regulate blood pressure over time.
Cold immersion helps decrease swelling and inflammation, while the infrared sauna soothes deep-seated tension in tissues and joints, making it highly effective for those with arthritis, injuries, or chronic pain.
Contrast therapy isn’t just for the body — it’s transformative for the mind. Cold exposure, in particular, is linked to increased dopamine levels and reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety. Paired with the meditative qualities of the sauna, it creates a powerful reset for mental well-being.
The alternating stress of hot and cold encourages lymphatic flow and boosts white blood cell activity, which supports a stronger immune response and better overall resilience.
Start with a 15–20 Minute Infrared Sauna Session
Relax as deep-penetrating infrared waves warm your body, relax your muscles, and begin to sweat out toxins.
Take a 2–3 Minute Dip in the Ice Bath
Our professionally maintained cold immersion bath helps bring your core temperature down and invigorates your senses.
Repeat the Cycle (Optional)
For experienced users, alternating 2–3 times provides maximum benefit.
We guide you through every step, ensuring comfort and safety throughout your journey.
Contrast therapy is safe and beneficial for most people, but we always recommend consulting with a healthcare professional if you have:
Cardiovascular conditions
High blood pressure
Pregnancy
Sensory disorders or cold sensitivity
Our team at Float Therapy Wilmslow is fully trained to support you in adapting the session to your needs.
