When I played college volleyball, I iced my legs (up to the knees) in a bucket of ice water after every practice, and most games. I actually enjoyed it. My legs always felt as if they recuperated faster because of it. But I really did it to taunt many of the football players, some of whom were literally brought to tears when they had to do the same.
So, when I read a recent article that explained the practice might not improve performance, I was a bit chagrined:
"Exercise physiologist Richard Lampman, a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine, explains that after competing in a physically vigorous race or practice, swelling and micro-trauma in muscle fibers is not uncommon. Icing causes vasoconstriction of the blood vessels that reduces swelling and forces lactic acid back into the center of circulation so it can be metabolized. Once the body gets out of the cold, blood flow to the iced areas returns to normal, taking nutrients to the inflamed area.
Hawkins went on to state that the research he has seen concerning physical benefits cuts both ways. Indeed, studies that compare athletes who ice-bathed with those who did not, find conflicting results in terms of whether cold water immersion actually improves performance. The science is not terribly conclusive either way. "
Well, I can live without the performance enhancement, but I really do (placebo effect?) see my recovery times improve. So, I'll continue to use ice on a regular basis.
"Check out the hook while my DJ revolves it..."
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