Ice Barrel provides a great way to conduct safe and effective cold water therapy. If you’re wondering why you would want to spend time in an ice-cold bath, this post is for you. You’ll also learn how cold water immersion can help reduce pain and inflammation.

In this article, we wouldn’t just ask you to rely on what you hear from celebrities, athletes, or your trainers; we will also give you scientific reasons why cold water immersion is good for you.

It has long been established in the sporting industry that cold baths are beneficial for athletes. After an intense workout, players would often soak in baths filled with ice to reduce inflammation and help with soreness.

What Is Cold Water Therapy?

Coldwater immersion is a therapeutic practice that uses freezing water, usually around 15°C, to treat a handful of conditions or stimulate certain health benefits. Although this practice began drawing attention not so long ago, it had been around for a couple of millennia. As it grew in popularity, we began developing new ways to apply the wonders of cold hydrotherapy like our Ice Barrel.

What Are the Benefits of Ice Baths?

Coldwater therapy does more than give you a relaxing soak. It can help you improve your circulation, deepen your sleep, elevate your mood, boost your energy, reduce pain and inflammation from body-building activities.

Here are some benefits of taking Ice Baths:

It Helps With Muscle Soreness

This is one of the primary reasons why cold water therapy is widely used in the athletics and body-building industry. Studies indicate that athletes who regularly soak in cold water for short periods experience faster relief from soreness after exercising.

According to several medical experts, cold water immersion helps relieve pain. It does so by constricting your blood vessels, causing the swelling in your muscles to reduce, which leads to the pain feeling more bearable. 

It Can Improve Your Mood

Coldwater immersion is not a cure for any mental health condition. However, it is a mood booster. It can help you get better sleep and relaxation, which can all help in making you feel better and less anxious.

One such case study involves a woman who had experienced depression and anxiety since she was 17. When she was 24, she tried out hydrotherapy. Over time, her mental health mood improved until she got to a point where she no longer needed her medication to treat her condition.

Her doctors discovered that cold water (swimming) helped her keep her mood elevated and her depression symptoms at bay. 

Do Ice Baths Help Reduce Pain and Inflammation?

One of the most detrimental challenges we face with getting people to try out something new is evidence. Having proof goes a long way in convincing anyone to try something out. Fortunately, cold water immersion has been around for several years, and there are case studies that support theories about its ability to help relieve muscle soreness and/or pain.

Both evidence and logic support cold water immersion as a way to reduce muscle pain and inflammation. In fact, it can be too good at doing its job, which is why we always advise that you do not stay in your freezing ice bath for too long.

Tips for Taking an Ice Bath

If you experience post-workout soreness/pain or want to take a cold plunge to get a feel of what we mean, here are some things you should know to ensure your safety.

The Temperature of the Bath

Coldwater therapy requires your bath to be very cold, which usually means 10-15°C or 50-59°F.

How Long an Ice Bath Should Last

Spending too much time ice soaking can have adverse consequences on your health. This is why we recommend that you spend between 5-10 minutes per soak. This gives your body enough time to feel the effects of the ice bath without leaving you in danger.

Body Exposure

Our Ice Barrel has been built to cover your body right up to your shoulder. This gives you the best overall experience. For first-timers, however, you may begin by immersing your feet and lower legs. As your body begins to get comfortable, you can move towards your chest until your head is just above the water.

At-Home Use

When using our Ice Barrel at home, we recommend that you use a thermometer to keep track of the water temperature when mixing your ice and water. If the water gets too cold, you add in warm water, and if it’s too warm, gradually add cold water or ice until you reach your desired temperature.

Timing of Bath

Usually, the best time for an ice soak is immediately after an activity. The sooner you get into that barrel, the better the effect should be. The longer you wait after a workout, the longer you feel the pain and soreness, so it’s best you get into your Ice Barrel as soon as possible.

Try an Ice Bath Today

Now that you understand the fundamentals of ice bath treatment for pain and inflammation, isn’t it time for you to take the cold plunge? 

At Ice Barrel, we work hard to ensure that you enjoy all the benefits of cold exposure in a simple, fun, and easy way. Contact us to learn more about our product.