Cold Therapy

Cold plunge therapy aids in athletic performance by reducing risk of injury, increasing metabolic recovery, soothing sore muscles and boosting immunity. 

• Sports medicine and professional athletes have used cold water therapy for decades to accelerate recovery of muscles and tissues. Research has shown that during a cold plunge, blood vessel constriction or shrinking occurs, which brings blood flow closer to the bodies vital organs, which allows for detoxification, reduction of swelling, and lowering levels of inflammation. After leaving the cold plunge, the blood vessels then vasodilate, which improves circulation by bringing newly oxygenated blood to the muscles while flushing out toxins and metabolic wastes through the lymphatic system.  Perceived exertion, perceived recovery and muscle soreness are all improved with cold water immersion. Athletes are then able to perform higher intensity training with less rest demand. 

Rowsell GJ, Reaburn P, Toone R, Smith M, Coutts AJ. Effect of run training and cold-water immersion on subsequent cycle training quality in high-performance triathletes. J Strength Cond Res. 2014 Jun;28(6):1664-72. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000000455. PMID: 24626137.