When Cherie Mikell graduated from the Rizzieri School for Beauty and Wellness in 2006, she had no idea that in just over a decade, she would be owning an Orange Cryo Wellness franchise and helping people to feel better, look great and do good. 

Mikell, who opened Orange Cryo Wellness Voorhees in late November 2017, says her interest in the subject was piqued after reading an article about cryotherapy a few years ago. Married to a former professional football player and with four young children, the topic was put on the back burner until she noticed another franchise location in Northern Liberties, Philadelphia. After visiting and meeting franchise owner and founder Robin Gupta, Mikell realized this was something she wanted to pursue. 

“Seeing people come in miserable and leaving happy and feeling relief, it was all I needed,” she says. Along with in Northern Liberties, Mikell’s practice joins nationwide franchises in West Chester and Conshohocken, Pennsylvania; Avalon and soon-to-open Margate, New Jersey; and Naples, Florida. 

Cryotherapy (cryomeans “cold” in Greek) is essentially the process of subjecting the body to extremely cold temperatures for a very short amount of time. Inside the chamber, patients are surrounded by nitrogen gas ranging in temperature from -202 and -200 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Mikell likens it to “standing in the Arctic naked,” but claims that while it feels extremely cold, it’s not painful, because it’s not a wet cold. One of the primary benefits of cryotherapy is reducing inflammation. “Three minutes of whole body cryo reduces the same amount of inflammation as an hour-long ice bath would. Your body is basically tricking your mind into healing your body, by pulling blood from extremities to your core, where blood is re-oxygenated, and pumped throughout your whole body,” says Mikell. 

Originally intended for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, cryotherapy has been used to successfully treat aches and pains in patients from ages 16 to 80, in Mikell’s experience. “We’ve seen numerous patients who are able to reduce the amount of pain medication they take regularly, after these treatments. However, patients with pacemakers, or those who suffer from untreated cases of hypertension, diabetes or Raynaud’s disease should consult their doctor before entering a cryo chamber.” 

In addition to reducing inflammation in the body, cryotherapy can also boost metabolism, increase the amount of norepinephrine, serotonin and collagen levels, delay aging, and can help in treating acne, age spots and even migraines. Orange Cryo Voorhees offers a wide range of additional services, including NormaTec pulse treatments to reduce lactic acid buildup (great for athletes), and FDA-approved LED light therapy to combat acne, wrinkles and pain management. 

Even with so many benefits of cryotherapy, some clients are hesitant to climb into a chamber with sub-freezing nitrogen gas swirling around them. “What sets us apart is our attention to detail,” says Mikell. “We make sure everyone follows safety precautions, and we reassure everyone who gets in the chamber. We don’t want anyone to have anxiety about this experience, so our technicians talk to guests during their time in the chamber, which really makes those three minutes fly by.” 

Mikell’s Voorhees location participates in charitable programs that allow customers to “do good” when they visit. The Orange Cryo national franchise, in partnership with Tony Robbins through Feeding America, has pledged to provide 20 meals each time the cryo chamber reaches -200 degrees Farenheit. Additionally, the facility carries local brand Wise Ape Tea, which donates 10 percent donation to a different charity for each of its tea blends. 

At Orange Cryo Wellness Voorhees, visitors will feel good after reducing inflammation in their body, they’ll look good with what Mikell describes as the “cryo glow” from increased blood circulation and they’ll be doing good by supporting local businesses that, in turn, support important charitable work being done around the country. 

“I take these treatments, myself,” exclaims Mikell. “We just want people to feel amazing after coming here, and many people tell us they don’t want to leave. We’ll talk you through the process of what is happening in your body while you’re in the chamber, why it’s happening, and how to keep yourself healthy and hydrated after treatment.”  

Orange Cryo Wellness Voorhees is located at 156 NJ 73, Voorhees Township, N.J. For more information or to make an appointment, call 856-335-4689 or visit OrangeCryo.com/Voorhees.