Many athletes extol the virtues of ice baths because of their health benefits. However, you should take proper precautions during an ice bath to prevent health issues. In general, 15-minute sessions are recommended, and people with certain health conditions should also consult with their sports medicine physician before using this therapy. Here’s why ice baths are worthwhile for athletes.

3 Health Benefits of Ice Baths

1. Improves Circulation

When pushing your body to the limit, tissues can get inflamed. Ice baths treat this inflammation by improving blood circulation to the affected area. As cold water makes contact with the body, blood vessels restrict and rid themselves of toxins, leading to a faster healing time for inflamed tissue. Additionally, cold baths can treat the whole body at once, making it an effective sports medicine remedy for full-body soreness.

2. Activates Brown Fat Cells

Brown fat cells help burn energy and produce heat. These cells are produced when your body is exposed to cold temperatures, and their production burns fat by boosting your metabolism, enabling you to lose fat and build muscle quickly.

3. Relieves Pain

Studies have shown a reduction in muscle soreness of up to 20% when athletes took ice baths after vigorous activity, which is about the same rate as stretching or using compression garments after activity. Cold baths can also relieve the soreness that occurs 24 to 48 hours after a tough workout because they flush out toxins from your muscles.

The sports medicine specialists at IMUA Orthopedics, Sports & Health LLC., based on Oahu, HI, are always up-to-date on the latest sports injury medical research, including the effects of cold baths. They believe that taking preventative measures is the best approach to avoid sports injuries. They use methods including cold therapies, massage, osteopathic manipulation, nutritional guidance, and exercise regimens. If you’d like to schedule an appointment with a sports medicine specialist, call (808) 521-8170 today. You can prepare for your first visit by visiting their website.