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Athletes have to face fatigue from training and competition. Using the science of cold, known as ICE BATHING, not only helps recovery and reduces muscle inflammation, but also helps stimulate immunity and recharge energy from fatigue to feel energized again.
ICE BATHING What is it?
ICE BATHING is the science of using cold for body care and therapy, also known as a Cryotherapy Chamber, by immersing in cold water at a temperature of approximately 10 – 15 degrees Celsius for about 8 – 15 minutes. This may be a full-body immersion or only partial immersion after exercise within the first 24 hours. Using a tub allows good control of cold temperature over a short period to treat fatigue, reduce muscle inflammation, recover muscles from injury, and enhance physical performance. ICE BATHING is very popular among athletes because it helps with better recovery after training or competition
How does ICE BATHING work?
The mechanism of ICE BATHING uses cold from ice to lower muscle temperature, causing blood vessels to constrict and reducing blood flow to the muscles, thereby reducing pain, inflammation, and fatigue that occur. After ICE BATHING, blood vessels dilate, circulation improves, and nutrients and oxygen can nourish cells and various organs more effectively.
What are the benefits of ICE BATHING ?
- Relieves pain
- Reduces muscle inflammation
- Relaxes fatigue
- Helps the body recover faster
- Reduces heat and humidity after exercise
- Improves central nervous system function and helps you sleep more comfortably
Precautions for ICE BATHING
People with underlying conditions should consult a doctor in detail before doing ICE BATHING , especially patients with high blood pressure, as it may cause heart failure or sudden narrowing or rupture of blood vessels. In addition, if immersed for too long, hypothermia may occur. Or for patients with type 1 and 2 diabetes, rapidly lowering body temperature may have effects on the body. Moreover, in the general population, care should be taken not to stay in ice water for too long, as it can affect the heart and blood vessels
Side effects of ICE BATHING
When the body is in extremely cold temperatures, symptoms that may occur include redness, skin peeling, irregular heartbeat, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, dizziness, cold burns/blistering, etc. These do not occur in everyone, but they can occur. If there are respiratory problems such as asthma, symptoms may worsen.
Who should not do ICE BATHING
- Pregnant women
- People with abnormal circulation
- Patients with high blood pressure
- Patients with heart disease
However, ICE BATHING should be done with caution. In particular, athletes who use their bodies intensely should have a physical check-up and consult a specialist to stay fit and ready for every competition.
A hospital specializing in the care and treatment of sports injuries
The Sports and Exercise Medicine Institute of Bangkok Hospital, or BASEM, is ready to care for and treat all sports injuries to international standards, with a team of specialist physicians and multidisciplinary sports medicine experts. Services cover diagnosis, treatment, and surgery using modern technology, to help you return to being fit and ready to get back on the field again.
Physician specializing in the care and treatment of sports injuries
Cdr..Capt..Dr..Pornthep Mamanee R.N. Arthroscopic knee and shoulder surgeon and sports medicine physician, Director of the Sports and Exercise Medicine Institute (BASEM), Bangkok Hospital
You can click here to make an appointment by yourself.
