Cold therapy, whether through full-body immersion with an ice bath or localized application with an ice pack, has proven to work well in treating many types of muscle and joint injury. The effects of ice packs vs. ice baths are different, however, in that ice packs are an effective method of reducing isolated pain and swelling, while an ice bath treatment targets multiple pain points. Cold therapy, in general, goes beyond relieving muscle injury to offer additional healing and health benefits – much of which we will discuss here.

Effects of Topical Ice Pack Cold Therapy

Sports enthusiasts will know just how effective a cold gel or ice pack can be for immediate relief from an injury after a game or workout. A cold compress is commonly used for acute injuries like ankle sprains and joint pains or to reduce muscle soreness and spasm and the subsequent inflammation to comparatively small surface areas. Ice pack treatment may also help to reduce bleeding into the tissues and is often used for chronic conditions such as overuse injuries in athletes.

Applying an ice pack within the first 48 hours with frequent and repeated treatments can significantly help minimize localized swelling and control the pain. However, it’s important to use topical ice packs cold therapy correctly to avoid causing more harm than good.

In some cases, ice packs are just a temporary solution or quick fix, but this doesn’t mean cold therapy must end there. For more severe cases of injury, such as those that persist even after using an ice pack application or where more surface area is affected, then cold-water immersion may be the solution you’re looking for.

Effects of Whole-Body Cold Water Immersion 

Cold-water immersion isn’t just your typical pain-relieving agent but is rather an intensive approach to combating multiple injuries or musculoskeletal and tissue trauma in one sitting.

Athletes in particular flock to cold-water treatment for its convenience and enhanced benefits in post-exercise recovery. Based on several scientific studies, full-body immersion in cold water can significantly reduce muscle soreness and soft tissue damage. The effects extend to improving blood lipid levels, activating the Vagus nerve, and rebalancing the inflammatory responses.

Simply taking a cold bath right after a strenuous exercise can speed up recovery time and better prepare individuals for future competitions and workouts; a recommended temperature range could be from 50-60 F (or about 10-15C). Following key tips for safely taking an ice bath is also important to optimize your recovery results.

Cryogenic Effects of Ice Packs vs. Ice Baths for Recovery

For recovery, an ice bath differs from applying an ice pack to injured areas after a major workout session to prevent Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS). An ice pack helps with DOMS only in the location of the ice pack, while complete submersion in cold water targets the entire muscle group to reduce delayed muscle soreness.

There are several hypothesized theories proposing that the mechanism of DOMS is a result of lactic acid, muscle spasm, connective tissue damage, muscle damage, inflammation, and the enzyme efflux theories. A combination of two or more of these theories was considered a substantial explanation of muscle soreness that develops in the post-exercise period. When the subsequent pain, swelling, and or stiffness in the muscle tissue builds up after exercise, the cold temperature of an ice bath improves the muscle’s ability to constrict and flush out fluid accumulation, reducing the side effects of DOMS.

A report by Rupp. et al. (2012), on intramuscular temperature changes through the cryogenic effects of crushed ice bag vs. cold water immersion, also found that tissue temperature that was cooled via cold-water immersion remained cooler significantly longer than those treated with the ice bag. This finding translated clinically to suggest cold-water immersion decreased the amount of secondary cell injury, so in conclusion, ice baths provide more deep tissue benefits than ice packs.

Cold Water Immersion for Your Health

The health benefits of full-body immersion in cold water have proven to far exceed those of ice pack treatment. A study on the human physiological responses to cold-water immersion found that persons exposed to water measuring 14℃ saw an increase in their metabolic rate by 350%, which not only correlates to increased energy levels but also weight loss. Among other benefits, cold immersion therapy in the lower temperature range (no lower than 10°C) can increase heart rate and systolic and diastolic blood pressure, improving the heart’s variability and function.

There are also psychological benefits of cold-water immersion that can address mood disorders, anxiety, stress, and depression. A 2008 medical hypothesis found that exposure to cold water can stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, increase the blood level of beta-endorphin, and also increase the synaptic release of noradrenaline in the brain, which could result in an anti-depressive effect.

Research also indicates that routine and repeated use of cold-water therapy can have a positive effect on the Vagus nerve complex, which is a key intermediary between the mind and body, and feelings of well-being and relaxation. Moreover, providing a better quality of sleep and improved mood. Other areas of study show enhancements in cognitive capacity and as a treatment option for autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia.

Ice Packs vs. Ice Baths: Which Is Best for You?

Ice packs and ice baths both treat symptoms of muscle pain and swelling, though one provides more intensive remedial effects than the other. Deciding to use ice packs vs. ice baths comes down to pain management and choosing the best approach for the injury at hand. Routine use of the two methods may improve the inflammatory responses to injury over time, but that’s as far as the ice pack goes for your health and recovery.

Compared to ice packs, ice baths have a more holistic effect on the body. Ice baths are effective tools for everyone from competitive athletes needing efficient recovery to individuals seeking relief from chronic discomfort, as well as those looking to improve their overall mental and physical wellness.

Try Cold Water Immersion With Ice Barrel 

Ice Barrel offers an easy way to take a cold plunge right in the comfort of your home with full control of your setting. Learn more about our Ice Barrel and how it can make a difference to your health and recovery.