After a tough workout that leaves your muscles tight and sore what's the best use of a hot-tub, cold shower, and hot shower to help relax your muscles? I'm not sure if heat or cold is better, or alternating between the two. I recently sat in a hot-tub for 10 min, then took a cold shower after a workout and it seemed to help. Does starting with hot or starting with cold make a difference?
People often hold ice packs on their shoulders after a practice but I don't think taking a cold shower has the same effect.
Parents
Former Member
Depending upon the severity of the injury, ice should be applied for the first four days, (according to the Olympic Training Camp MD's) then heat may be applied. This is a constantly changing prescription so do your homework.
If simple soreness is the issue, a heating pad or warm bath is a nice way to relieve the stress or discomfort. I have had a severe back strain and found that ice did nothing for the pain. Our athletic trainer put some electo-stimulation along with clay-hot pads and WOW - the pain that physical massage and ice couldn't touch was gone. Good luck, Coach T
Depending upon the severity of the injury, ice should be applied for the first four days, (according to the Olympic Training Camp MD's) then heat may be applied. This is a constantly changing prescription so do your homework.
If simple soreness is the issue, a heating pad or warm bath is a nice way to relieve the stress or discomfort. I have had a severe back strain and found that ice did nothing for the pain. Our athletic trainer put some electo-stimulation along with clay-hot pads and WOW - the pain that physical massage and ice couldn't touch was gone. Good luck, Coach T
