Have you heard of cryotherapy? It’s a deep-freeze muscle and skin treatment which, says USA Today, is a “really cool trend” in US franchising.

Nitrogen gas is chilled to sub-zero temperatures (minus 150deg) for a three-minute shock treatment to boost circulation and stimulate the body’s immune system.

At New York’s International Franchise Expo, cryotherapy lined up with acai bowls and juice bars as one of the new, must-watch business opportunities.

Established franchise Australian Skin Clinics is ahead of the game, having already introduced its CryoDefine fat-freezing treatment. National training manager Darlene O’Gara says clients can expect to see visible results from the treatments within 12 weeks, with progressive results ongoing after only two to three treatments.

It’s the next stage from the ice-bath treatment popular with sports stars and is expanding into the mainstream.

Fledgling franchise business Cryo Australia uses custom built equipment to help clients fight deficiencies, overcome sickness, improve sports performance and recovery, and as a skin-boosting beauty treatment. Iit has chosen to work closely with research institutes and is supporting the latest study with the Brisbane Broncos and University of Queensland.

• Read our beauty feature in the latest edition of Inside Franchise Business for more on how the sector is shaping up here. The Sept/Oct magazine is out now.