Athletes face fatigue from training and competition. Utilizing the science of cold, known as ICE BATHING, not only helps to recover and reduce muscle inflammation but also stimulates immunity and recharges energy fatigue to regain vigor.
What is ICE BATHING?
ICE BATHING is the science of using cold for body therapy, also known as Cryotherapy Chamber, by immersing in cold water at a temperature of about 10 – 15 degrees Celsius, for about 8 – 15 minutes. The immersion can be whole-body or just partial after exercise within the first 24 hours. The use of a tub allows for better control of the cold temperature in a short period for fatigue treatment, reducing muscle inflammation, recovering muscles from illness, and enhancing body potential. ICE BATHING is widely popular among athletes because it helps in better recovery after training or competition
How does the mechanism of ICE BATHING work?
The mechanism of ICE BATHING uses cold from ice to lower the muscle temperature, causing blood vessels to constrict, reducing blood flow to the muscles, thus minimizing pain, inflammation, and fatigue. After ICE BATHING, blood vessels dilate, blood circulates better, and nutrients and oxygen are better supplied to the cells and various organs.
What are the benefits of ICE BATHING?
- Relieves pain
- Reduces muscle inflammation
- Alleviates fatigue
- Speeds up body recovery
- Reduces heat and humidity after exercise
- Improves central nervous system function, better sleep
Precautions for ICE BATHING
Those with pre-existing medical conditions should consult a doctor in detail before doing ICE BATHING, especially high blood pressure patients, as it can cause heart attacks or sudden vascular rupture. Additionally, prolonged immersion might lead to hypothermia, or for patients with types 1 and 2 diabetes, rapid body temperature reduction can have an adverse effect. Moreover, everyone should be careful not to soak in ice water too long, as it can impact the heart and blood vessels.
Side effects of ICE BATHING
In extremely cold conditions, potential symptoms include rash, skin peeling, irregular heartbeat, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, dizziness, cold blisters, etc. These symptoms do not occur in everyone but can happen. Respiratory issues like asthma may worsen.
Who should avoid ICE BATHING
- Pregnant women
- Individuals with abnormal blood circulation
- High blood pressure patients
- Heart disease patients
However, ICE BATHING should be done cautiously. Athletes, in particular, who use their bodies extensively should check their bodies and consult with specialized doctors to stay fit for every competition.
Hospitals specializing in sports injury care
The Bangkok Hospital Institute of Sports and Exercise Medicine or BASEM is ready to care for every sports injury with international standards, with a team of specialized doctors and experts in various fields of sports medicine, offering comprehensive diagnostic, treatment, and surgical services with modern technology to become fit and ready to compete again.
Doctors specializing in sports injury care
Captain.Dr.Pornthep Mamanee Royal.Navy. Surgeon specializing in arthroscopic knee and shoulder surgery and sports medicine physician, Director of the Institute of Sports and Exercise Medicine (BASEM) Bangkok Hospital
You can click here to make an appointment yourself
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