Kindly gifted, but honestly reviewed. *Disclaimer: This is not a paid review. The treatments were provided, though the review thereof is based on the author’s experience and opinion. Reviews published on Aesthetic Appointment Journal are intended to be for information purposes only, and should not be regarded as a replacement for sound medical advice. Always speak to your doctor or skincare therapist if you have any concerns.*
Now this is our kind of spa day. Forget cucumber water and whale sounds – at the Human Performance Lab (HPL) in Melrose Arch, recovery looks a little more high-tech. We were treated to a morning of exhilarating, body-boosting treatments that aimed to reset and recharge.
Step one: Dry Whole-body Cryotherapy – the coolest three minutes of your life
Our session began with whole-body cryotherapy – three minutes in a dry chamber set to -87 °C. While it sounds intense, the experience is surprisingly manageable, even invigorating.
Because it’s a dry therapy, you don’t get wet at all – your hair and makeup stay perfectly intact, and you can get dressed immediately afterwards. We wore the provided hygienically clean shorts, sports bra, socks, Crocs, gloves and earmuffs to protect our extremities from the cold.
The treatment helps to stimulate circulation, reduce inflammation and support muscle recovery, all while releasing endorphins that leave you feeling refreshed and alert. Emerging from the chamber, you feel awake, refreshed, and mentally clear – a full-body reset in the most literal sense.
Since we were heading straight into the next treatment, we simply wrapped ourselves in one of HPL’s soft gowns – the ideal transition between steps.
Step two: Photobiomodulation – healing in a new light
Next, we experienced Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBM) – a full-body light treatment that promotes recovery and cellular rejuvenation.
During this 20-minute session, the body is exposed to both red and near-infrared light, which work together to support healing from within.
PBM therapy helps to boost the cells’ energy levels, helping the body heal, recover, and restore balance more efficiently.
It can help to:
- Accelerate muscle recovery and reduce soreness
- Lower inflammation and joint discomfort
- Improve circulation and lymphatic drainage
- Stimulate collagen production for healthier skin tone and texture
- Support better sleep and overall mood
- Assist with hormone balance and energy levels
The experience is warm, calm, and deeply restorative – leaving you with a sense of balance and renewed vitality.
Step three: Lymphastim – the pressure we do need
Finally, we enjoyed a 30-minute session with the BTL Lymphastim machine, a trusted treatment for promoting lymphatic drainage, circulation and detoxification.
The gentle, rhythmic pressure feels like a full-body massage, encouraging lymph flow and reducing water retention. It’s both relaxing and surprisingly effective, leaving you feeling lighter and more energised.
The Verdict: Intelligent Self-Care
In just one hour, the combination of these treatments provided both physical and mental restoration – invigorating yet deeply relaxing. It’s the kind of self-care that goes beyond pampering, offering real recovery benefits for anyone needing to recharge.
All of these treatments are available at both the Johannesburg and Cape Town studios. The Cape Town branch, located within the Coco Collective, also offers ozone therapy – another excellent option for those seeking detoxification and immune support.
HPL also offers additional services such as tattoo removal with the Picocare™ Laser and sports massage. The concept was founded by the Coco Collective in Bree Street, Cape Town, and their Johannesburg studio is located within Moove Gym in Melrose Arch (with its own entrance directly opposite Daytona).
Visit the Human Performance Lab
Website: www.humanperformancelab.co.za
Instagram: @humanperformancelab.sa
Johannesburg
20 Whiteley, Melrose Arch (opposite Daytona)
📱 WhatsApp: +27 79 319 7091
Cape Town
167 Bree Street (inside Coco Collective)
📱 WhatsApp: +27 63 610 1000
Rochelle is the founder and driving force behind Aesthetic Appointment. With a passion for the aesthetics and pro-ageing industry in South Africa, she has been in the aesthetic publishing industry since 2012, dedicated to creating a valuable platform for insights and knowledge, bridging the gap between patients and doctors - delivering reliable, medical-based information. Rochelle firmly believes in the power of a good skincare regimen, especially when started at home, and is committed to educating consumers about the myriad of treatments, procedures, and products available to them.
- Rochelle Friedmanhttps://www.aestheticappointment.co.za/author/rochelle
- Rochelle Friedmanhttps://www.aestheticappointment.co.za/author/rochelle
- Rochelle Friedmanhttps://www.aestheticappointment.co.za/author/rochelle
- Rochelle Friedmanhttps://www.aestheticappointment.co.za/author/rochelle
