Cold Water Therapy Might Do More Harm Than Good. An Expert Explains.
Cold baths are a divisive practice, loved by some and hated by others, but many now practice them on a weekly or even daily basis in the belief that they are beneficial for their bodies and minds.
Cold water therapy, as you know, can be done outdoors by swimming, in a lake, river, or ocean, taking a cold shower, or even an ice bath. Athletes have long used it to reduce muscle soreness and speed recovery. People spend about 10 minutes in warm water between 10 and 15 °C after exercising.
Cold water is also used to treat anxiety, pain, and migraines. In fact, there are many myths about how cold water therapy changes people’s lives. Healing a broken heart and how to help people through difficult times
Indeed, research on the benefits associated with cold water therapy or outdoor swimming is in its infancy. Obviously, however, immersion in cold water can have adverse effects on the human body.
Danger from cold water
intended for therapeutic effect as by any action The minimum requirement is But the same cannot be said of cold water.
At this time, science is not ready to support cold water therapy effectively. Whether a specific time or temperature will work best remains to be seen. But what we know is limited when it comes to cold water diving. In other words, it is bad for you to get into or stay in cold water for a long time. Instead, it might do the opposite.
Natural water temperatures in the UK range from approximately 10 to 28 °C in summer and decrease to 0 to 7 °C in summer, so it is important to note that open water temperatures are slightly lower than air temperatures. Therefore, the air temperature in April would be cooler. seawater temperatures on the South Coast can also be below 10°C.
Probably when it comes to cold water treatments, Shower, and bathtubs are not very dangerous. This is because you can better control the temperature and exposure time compared to open water. But because of the cold showers and ice baths and the nature of the immersion They are still very dangerous.
A little-known problem associated with immersion in cold water is the non-iconic cold injury. when we experience cold It is normal for your hands and feet to feel very cold or numb. and tingling or pain may be felt when heated
for most people These symptoms are temporary. Normal sensations return within a few minutes. but not in cold cold injuries The symptoms (pain, change in sensation, . and sensitivity to cold) may last for years in the affected area. damage to nerves and blood vessels
This is due to their prolonged deployment in cold, wet conditions, such as those seen in trenches during the war. That's why it's called "Trench Foot."It's not just soldiers who are weak. But the latest incident involves sleepers and people playing in the water
For example, people from Africa and the Caribbean may be more susceptible to frostbite. Therefore, cold exposure varies from person to person.
Fortunately, a 2020 study of cold-water swimmers suggests that they may also be sensitive to Cold. However, it was not associated with damage to blood vessels in the skin.
cold water points
So if you want cold water therapy Here’s what we should consider: Check with your doctor beforehand to make sure it is safe for you.
Plan how you will safely get in and out of the water. (Remember if you are cold your Muscles will not work. you will not be able to touch them with your hands and feet) .
Then learn how you can stay warm - make sure you have towels, dry clothes, windbreakers, warm drinks, and shelter. Don't drive or cycle until you're fully warmed up. Stay in cold water for a short time Leave before you feel numb, sore, or chilled.
Heather Massey, Senior Lecturer Faculty of Science and Health Faculty of Sports Science Health and Fitness University of Portsmouth; Claire Eglin, Head of Sport, Health and Exercise Science at the University of Portsmouth and Mike Tipton, of the University of Portsmouth
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