What does a ice/really cold bath actually do?

Discussion in 'Health and Fitness' started by Rataca100, Jun 18, 2017.

  1. Rataca100

    Rataca100 Banned Banned

    no idea if it has been asked if it has, it doesnt seem recent dont know if this is the best area for it either.


    But what does a ice bath. really vold bath actually do? Afte rjust being subjected to one, it felt refreshing being in it after i got accusomted to the temprature but i dont know anything about the effects it would have on the body.
     
  2. Fish Of Doom

    Fish Of Doom Will : Mind : Motion Supporter

    From what I could find out, not much that a placebo didn't also do. I'd say it's one of those things that if you feel good while doing it, they're worth doing for you in terms of recovery, stress-relief (which aids with recovery), etc, but not something that you should overdo because you'd accrue little to no extra benefit, while increasing any potential risks.
     
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  3. Rataca100

    Rataca100 Banned Banned


    I nearly had a heart attack. :p Not something to do every day, its been hot recently and i cant really handle heat anyway. I thought it did something to help recovery of musles or healing of some injuries though?
     
  4. SWC Sifu Ben

    SWC Sifu Ben I am the law

    I did also ready a study a while back about decrease in temperature reducing certain enzymes associated with hypertrophy. It was only one lab test but it may mean there's actyally a decrease in muscle repair. I've also seen a couple double blinds showing active recovery to be superior to cold immersion.
     
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  5. axelb

    axelb Master of Office Chair Fu

    I read similar studies, and then a lot of other conflicting studies saying that it only helps on initial injury, or after exercise, subsequent cold treatments reduced blood flow and inflamation, which also reduced repair.

    I read a few studies about using hot and cold treatment was more effective, but I think there has been so many studies that have a conflicting conclusion what Fish of Doom said about if it feels good then it will help you relax, thats probably the best take away from all the studies I've read :D

     
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  6. Mushroom

    Mushroom De-powered to come back better than before.

    Its great for the currrent weather in London though. Its been 22' at night time!
     
  7. axelb

    axelb Master of Office Chair Fu

    I wonder how many people will attempt to sleep in a cold bath during the current weather :D

    It does sound very appealing at the moment!
     
  8. Van Zandt

    Van Zandt Mr. High Kick

    Wim Hof has a great book on this subject.

    Putting aside the benefits of cryotherapy (including ice baths) for sports injuries, there is evidence to suggest cold baths/showers have a positive effect on immunity and depression.

    Personal anecdote: My boiler broke down last winter. It was a little while before an engineer could get out to fix it (seems everyone's boiler was on the blink). I took cold baths every day for nearly a week, and certainly felt myself get stronger mentally. Now I only take cold baths or showers. I don't even notice the shock of the cold anymore. It certainly calloused my mind to handle other unexpected (bad) news.
     
    axelb likes this.
  9. Mushroom

    Mushroom De-powered to come back better than before.

    I'm the kind of idiot who thinks I'm smart enough to wear a snorkel (just in case) then sleep on my front..
    At least it disguises the drooling.
     
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  10. Nojon

    Nojon Tha mo bhàta-foluaimein

    we have an icebath where I work, and an infrared sauna. If im REALLY sore from a tough week, I use both. Im not talking injury, just soreness in the muscles.
     
  11. axelb

    axelb Master of Office Chair Fu

    I thought I'd start adding ice bath in my recovery plan particularly as I'm suffering DOMS. I don't think I can get it quite cold enough, but we'll see if that helps.

    Generally feeling it feels quite refreshing :D
     
  12. aikiMac

    aikiMac aikido + boxing = very good Moderator Supporter

    Pfft, that's not hot. The low is 28-30 Celsius where I live. :rolleyes: :p And that's at like 4 am.

    Wow. I tried that a few years back, and, um ... wow, I salute you. I couldn't do it. I'm not strong enough. :bows:
     

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