In the News--Olympic athletes use ice bath

I am interrupting my usual blogging schedule to discuss an “in the news” phenomenon.  Some of the Olympic athletes are ice bathing (cryotherapy).  Some of them are sharing pictures on Twitter showing them immersed in icy water.  What’s this all about? 

According to Runner’s World.com, “ice baths are one of the most effective ways to offset the damage done on a run.”  The theory behind ice immersion is that cold “constricts blood vessels and decreases metabolic activity, which reduces swelling and tissue breakdown.  Once the skin is no longer in contact with the cold source, the underlying tissues warm up, causing a return of faster blood flow, which helps return the byproducts of cellular breakdown to the lymph system for efficient recycling by the body.”  http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-241-285--12810-0,00.html

Cold therapy has been a part of physical therapy practices for many years.  Adding an ice pack to an injury is basic first aid.  However, one source I read, Medicine Net warned that immersing oneself in icy water can shock the body, causing stress to the heart, blood vessels and respiratory system and is “not for everyone.” MedicineNet, http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=154841  I personally think immersing my body into icy water sounds unpleasant. But that’s what some elite athletes are doing to help heal their sore, possibly damaged muscles.  More about this news story can be found at http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/olympics-fourth-place-medal/ice-bathing-olympic-tebowing-sure-looks-182939098--oly.html