Ice Baths for instant pain relief

[Sharon]

Have you guys ever tried this? I did it for the first time today. After driving home I got out of the car and experience the take your breath away type of pain. I couldn't pin point where I hurt whether it was my thighs, butt, groin or all of the above after the half marathon I did. Thankfully we have an ice maker and I was able to shovel them into a bag and I headed straight upstairs for an ice bath. I'm glad I was the only one home because it probably sounded like I was being murdered or something. I finished off with a cold shower after words and through on some comfy clothes and retired to the couch for the rest of the afternoon into the evening.

[demonskeith]

No way I could take an ice bath, it would kill me. Sounds like your pain is from sciatica? If so, it's a lower back issue that you need to see a chiropractor for.

[Deleted]

I would not recommend that for elderly people. That could be a recipe for an instant heart attack.

[ash]

I couldn't do it either. I'm sure the benefits of one are great but I just can't put myself through one.

[Sharon]

I'm sorry I meant to elaborate! This suggestion was made after completing a 13.1 mile run! My legs were absolutely shot and I was rendered useless for the rest of the day. I sincerely believe that the ice bath sped up my recovery and I was able to walk today.

[ZandraJoi]

Athletes use ice baths after extreme workouts. & for that I mean, working out as a full-time job. Ice baths may not be as beneficial for "weekend warriors". To answer, I have never taking an ice bath nor do I want to lol I do not like the cold. I have however just taken an ice pack to individual areas. Have any of you tried that instead?

[Sharon]

I wouldn't recommend ice baths on a regular basis but I sincerely believe it helped me from feeling handicapped the day after. I honestly didn't know how I was going to continue to walk after getting out of my car on Sunday. It truly did feel like instant relief soaking in the ice bath even if it was less than 10 minutes.

I do like taking cold showers after a particularly strenuous run. I wouldn't consider myself an athlete, but I agree those that only occasionally workout probably don't need an ice bath.

[nomad]

In our place, it is not very common to use ice for pain relief. We use hot bags to ease the pain. We also do hot oil massage in the affected area to ease the pain.