Contrast Therapy in Denver
Finnish sauna and cold plunge recovery in Denver, delivered through our partnership with R3 Spa.
At a Glance
Contrast therapy alternates heat and cold exposure to support circulation, recovery, and stress relief. Longevity Medical Denver partners with R3 Spa in Englewood, Colorado, offering guided access to their 190°F Finnish sauna and multi-temperature cold plunges as part of a broader recovery and longevity strategy.
What Is Contrast Therapy?
Contrast therapy is the practice of alternating between heat and cold exposure — typically sauna and cold plunge — to support the body’s circulatory and recovery processes. Heat exposure promotes relaxation, opens blood vessels, and can ease muscle tension, while cold exposure constricts blood vessels, supports the body’s natural inflammatory response, and has been widely adopted by athletes and wellness practitioners as a recovery tool.
Cycling between the two is thought to train the circulatory system, supporting both immediate recovery and longer-term cardiovascular and stress-response resilience. It’s a simple, low-risk practice that pairs well with a broader longevity and recovery routine.
Our Partnership With R3 Spa
Longevity Medical Denver partners with R3 Spa, a premium sauna and cold plunge studio in Englewood, Colorado. Each 60-minute session includes access to their 190°F Finnish sauna and three cold plunge temperature options, allowing you to cycle between hot and cold as many times as you’d like during your visit.
Heat vs. Cold Exposure: What Each Supports
Sauna and cold plunge work through opposite mechanisms — here's what each one specifically supports, and why cycling between them may offer more than either alone.
| Mechanism | Heat (Sauna) | Cold (Plunge) |
|---|---|---|
| Vascular response | Vasodilation — blood vessels widen | Vasoconstriction — blood vessels narrow |
| Primary effect | Muscle relaxation, increased blood flow | Reduced inflammation, numbing of soreness |
| Nervous system | Promotes parasympathetic (rest) response | Triggers acute stress response, boosts alertness |
| Commonly used for | Relaxation, loosening tight muscles | Post-exertion recovery, reducing swelling |
| Typical session length | Several minutes at a time, cycled | Brief, intense exposure, cycled |
Cycling between the two is thought to train the circulatory system — repeatedly widening and narrowing blood vessels in a way neither heat nor cold alone accomplishes. Some patients pair contrast therapy with hyperbaric oxygen therapy to further support that recovery process.
What to Expect
Here's what a typical visit looks like:
To further support your recovery goals, some patients also incorporate peptide therapy alongside their contrast therapy routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is contrast therapy performed?
Sessions take place at our partner facility, R3 Spa, located at 2805 South Broadway, Englewood, Colorado.
What should I bring to my session?
Just a swimsuit. Towels are provided, and everything else needed for your session is included.
What temperatures are the sauna and cold plunges?
The Finnish sauna runs at 190°F. Cold plunges offer multiple temperature options, from the 50s down to the low 30s, so you can choose the intensity that fits your recovery goals.
What are R3 Spa's hours?
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 7–10 AM and 4–9 PM. Saturday & Sunday: 10 AM–5 PM. Closed Wednesdays for deep cleaning.
Ready to get started?
This page was medically reviewed by Scott Ross, MD in August 2026. Content is reviewed regularly to reflect current clinical guidance.