For many years, after engaging in strenuous physical activity, athletes and fitness enthusiasts have turned to ice baths as a popular form of recovery. By briefly submerging the body in cold water, it helps to relieve sore muscles, lower inflammation, and speed up muscle recovery.
According to research, ice baths should be taken for a recommended 10-15 minutes at a water temperature of 10-15°C (50-59°F). It’s important to remember that people with circulatory problems or open wounds should stay away from ice baths. It’s also advised to incorporate breathing exercises like those found in the Wim Hof method because your breath can help you combat the cold. Additionally, ice baths should be used sparingly and under proper supervision to prevent negative effects.
When using an ice bath, following the right procedure is crucial to preventing harm or injury. An ice bath should be between 50 and 59 degrees Fahrenheit in temperature (10 -15 Celsius). Your body would benefit from being submerged in water for 10 to 15 minutes after working out.
Ice baths are risky, so those with circulatory problems or open wounds should stay away from them. Prior to attempting any novel treatment or method of recovery, it is always advisable to speak with a healthcare professional.
There has been a lot of research done on the advantages of ice baths for athletes. In 2016, a meta-analysis of ice bath studies revealed that athletes got the best results from soaking for 10-15 minutes in water that was between 10-15°C (50-59°F) in temperature.
Ice baths, when used safely, can benefit athletes in a number of ways.
Internal Advantages
When submerged in cold water, the chilly temperature causes your blood vessels to constrict, decreasing blood flow to your muscles and lowering swelling and inflammation. Reduced blood flow to the muscles may result in momentary numbness that serves as a natural anaesthetic by temporarily reducing pain. Additionally, it promotes mental health, enhances sleep, supports muscle recovery, lowers the risk of injury, helps get your body ready for the next workout, and boosts immunity.
Reducing Swelling and Discomfort
The ability of ice baths in sports to lessen muscle inflammation and soreness after strenuous exercise is one of their most important advantages. The body’s blood vessels contract as a result of the water’s cold temperature, decreasing blood flow to the injured area. This restriction reduces the amount of muscle inflammation, lowering the risk of injury and assisting in preventing soreness.
Speeding Up Muscle Recovery
By lowering inflammation and increasing blood flow, ice baths are also believed to hasten muscle recovery. The blood vessels tighten when the body is exposed to cold temperatures, reducing blood flow to the injured area. However, the blood vessels enlarge when the body is taken out of the cold water, increasing blood flow to the muscles. Faster recovery times result from the removal of waste products from the muscles, such as lactic acid, by the increased blood flow. The positive effects of reducing inflammation and promoting muscle recovery are thought to be experienced by professional athletes who regularly take ice baths after workouts. In order to recover more quickly and perform at their best, athletes like soccer player Tam Mkandawire regularly take ice baths as part of their workout and recovery routine.
Increased Circulation
Ice baths have been shown to be successful in enhancing circulation, which is advantageous for athletes. The muscles need a lot of oxygen and nutrients to function properly during an intense workout. Muscles that are fatigued require more oxygen and nutrients to recover. Increased blood flow to the muscles from ice baths helps them receive the nutrients and oxygen they need to recover.
Minimising Muscular Spasms
Reduced muscle spasms is another advantage of ice baths in sports. The muscles contract when the body is exposed to cold temperatures, which can lessen cramps and spasms. This can be particularly beneficial for athletes who frequently experience cramps or spasms during or after exercise. You could ease sore muscles by taking a cold bath. Its precise mechanism is still being determined by scientists. Reduced inflammation and slower nerve conduction may result in less pain. After swimming in cold water, pain or soreness may lessen.
That explains why a thorough review found that ice baths are effective at lowering delayed-onset muscular soreness (DOMS) after exercise. The studies, however, could have been more effective. The frequency, duration, and temperature of ice baths to relieve sore muscles are also unknown.
The idea that ice baths can lessen chronic pain is supported by evidence. This includes rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and fibromyalgia. The effects of ice baths on chronic pain over the long term, however, need to be further studied.
Lowering Oxidative Stress
By stopping or slowing down the inflammatory process after a vigorous workout, ice baths may also help to reduce oxidative stress in the muscles. In order to recover more quickly and perform at their best, professional athletes like soccer player Steve Mkandawire frequently take ice baths as part of their workout and recovery routine.
Dangers and Side Effects
The most noticeable side effect of an ice bath is how chilly it makes you feel when your body is submerged in icy water. Beyond this obvious negative effect, there are additional dangers to take into account.
The people who are most at risk from taking an ice bath, according to Gardner, are those who have high blood pressure or a history of cardiovascular disease.
He claimed that blood vessels constrict and reduce blood flow when the body’s core temperature drops and it is submerged in ice. This is potentially fatal due to reduced blood flow, which Gardner claims increases your risk of cardiac arrest or stroke.
Another possible risk is hypothermia, especially if you spend a lot of time in the ice bath.
People with diabetes, whether type 1 or type 2, should exercise caution when taking ice baths because both types of diabetes are associated with impaired ability to maintain core temperature during pronounced temperature fluctuations.
In conclusion, athletes benefit from ice baths in terms of muscle recovery, inflammation reduction, and speeding up the body’s natural healing process. Despite conflicting research, many professional athletes use ice baths as part of their recovery regimen to compete at their best. Before attempting an ice bath, it is crucial to use caution and speak with a healthcare provider, especially if you have any underlying medical issues.
References
- https://www.today.com/health/ice-bath-benefits-why-do-athletes-take-ice-baths-do-t191381
- https://theconversation.com/health-check-do-ice-baths-after-sport-help-recovery-or-improve-results-44829
- https://www.adidas.com/us/blog/721572-why-do-athletes-take-ice-baths
- https://www.insider.com/guides/health/fitness/ice-
- https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/ice-bath-benefits
- https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a26788252/ice-bath-benefits/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/exercise-fitness/ice-bath-benefits#side-effects-of-ice-baths
