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If you’ve spent time around athletes or love watching sports, you may have seen someone taking an ice bath. This treatment, also called “cold therapy,” has a number of applications. Find out more about how it works below, including how to take a bath with bagged ice.

What Is an Ice Bath?

An ice bath is a staple of sports therapy. It’s used to help the body recover from everyday wear and tear as well as larger injuries. The bath is usually kept between 50-59 degrees Fahrenheit. The person submerges one limb or their entire body, save for the head, depending on the treatment goals. Sessions are usually limited to 10-20 minutes.

What Does It Treat?

Ice baths are primarily used to treat sore muscles. It can also help reduce joint inflammation, either related to general discomfort or a more significant injury like an ACL sprain.

What Are the Benefits?

bagged-ice-hawaiian-ice-companyIce baths alter blood flow. While in the bath, your blood vessels restrict; once you get out, they dilate. This helps flush toxins from your body after a workout.

During ice baths and cold showers, your heart will beat faster to warm up your body and circulate more nutrients and oxygen to your cells. This will bolster their efforts to repair damaged muscles and reduce inflammation.

How to Take an Ice Bath

Invest in plenty of bagged ice. Fill your bathtub with cold water and ice while making sure there will be room for you to submerge yourself. Use a thermometer to check that the bath is between 50-59 degrees before entering. Check the temperature and add bagged ice as needed for 10 minutes.

Don't stay in for longer than 20 minutes, as you may damage your muscles. If you have heart complications, the cold shock could trigger adverse events, so speak with your cardiologist first. Hypothermia is also a concern. Make sure temperatures never go below 50 degrees, and step out if you have trouble breathing or feel lightheaded.

 

If you’re looking for bulk bagged ice for cold therapy, Hawaiian Ice Company is your go-to resource in the Honolulu area. This ice supplier has served Oahu for over 20 years with packaged ice, dry ice, and ice dispensers. Call (808) 538-6918 to place an order, and visit their website to learn more about their products.

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