Cryotherapy's Creator Now Warns: Cold Treatments May Slow Muscle Recovery
Cryotherapy, once praised as a wonder cure for post-workout soreness, now faces skepticism even from its originator. New findings suggest cold treatments may hinder, not help, muscle recovery.
The RICE method's creator, Dr. Gabe Mirkin, now advises against cold treatment for muscle recovery. Instead, he recommends keeping muscles warm to encourage blood flow and healing. This contradicts earlier beliefs that cryotherapy and ice baths could dull aches and pains.
Cold treatments, including ice packs and cryotherapy chambers, constrict blood vessels and reduce blood flow to affected areas. This disrupts the body's natural healing process, which relies on increased blood flow to repair microscopic muscle tears caused by intense workouts. As a result, muscle recovery may be slowed, counteracting the intended benefits of cryotherapy and icing.
While cryotherapy and icing may provide temporary pain relief, they may not be beneficial for muscle recovery after intense workouts. Athletes, especially those in strength-building phases, should consider alternative recovery methods that promote blood flow and warmth.
