We’ve all seen the scenes in advertisements and movies where an athletic individual slips into an ice filled bath and breathes out a sigh of relief. Are these scenes just posturing for athleticism’s sake, or is there an actual science behind this ritual.
As local Dallas ice experts, we’re here to say that ice water is definitely a way to give your body the healing power that it needs. Here’s a look at three ways cryotherapy can benefit your body and how you can practice it at home.
Ice Baths Help Soothe Your Muscles
Bruises and sprains are never anything that people like to experience for a prolonged period of time. Sometimes over the counter medicines aren’t enough to provide full relief and it’s up to nature to get the job done.
Often minor injuries produce swelling around the muscles and joints that causes the random stabs of pain. Fortunately, an ice bath or ice pack placed directly on the area can reduce inflammation and can help the injured area heal.
Ice can also provide temporary relief for chronic pain for the following issues:
- Shin Splints
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Trigger Finger
- Arthritis, and more!
Headache and Migraine Pain Relief
Ice doesn’t just help soothe aching muscles, but can help make your panging migraine or headache fade away. Ice packs wrapped around the back of your neck will eventually numb the nerves causing your headache. This process could significantly reduce the symptoms of your headache and possibly make it completely dissipate.
Cryotherapy Gets You Prepped for Your Next Gym Session
Like we mentioned before, athletes do use cryotherapy to help get their muscles in shape for their next workout. Ice water helps repair damaged muscle and tissue that is broken down after an intense workout.
An ice bath is known to help repair muscles, recharge them faster, and get athletes ready for their next workout or big game.
How Can You Treat Your Injuries with Ice?
There are several ways to approach ice therapy for your body; but the most common methods are performed through ice baths and direct localized contact.
Ice Baths
If you are in need of short-term recovery after an excessive workout, an ice bath may be the route to take. In order to experience the total effectiveness of this method, the National Library of Medicine recommends placing the body up to your hips into water that is 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
After 15 minutes in your bath, have a friend or family member help you out, then warm yourself back up within the hour through a hot shower or by drinking a hot drink.
Treating Local Pain
In order to reduce general swelling and pain, we suggest applying an ice pack to the painful area numerous times a day for around 10-15 minutes. However, direct contact can result in frostbite of the skin. So, to prevent damage to the affected area, it’s best to wrap your ice pack in a thin cloth like a pillowcase.
Keep Your Cool this Spring with Emergency Ice
Whether you need ice to relax your aches and pains or just some standard cubes to keep your drinks cool this spring, Emergency Ice has you covered. Our delivery process is simple and we’ll come to you with your ordered ice and a contact-free experience.
We’re ready to help you keep your cool as Texas warms up. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to schedule an ice delivery.