The Benefits of Ice Baths

Mark A. Slabaugh, M.D., an orthopedic sports medicine surgeon with Sports Medicine at Mercy, was interviewed by FOX45 Morning News to discuss the health benefits and key takeaways of using ice baths.

"Ice baths help decrease muscle soreness and inflammation, and for individuals that want to use them for mental equity, it definitely has some advantages. It helps you increase your mental equity, it releases dopamine, and endorphins just like when you hop into a cold shower, you feel the desire to hop right back out and it's the same thing, it just increases that desire to fight or flight," Dr. Slabaugh said.

According to Dr. Slabaugh, it is recommended that when you first start using an ice bath, the temperature of the water should be about 60 degrees.

"Use a digital thermometer to tell how cold it is, and then when you get in, you want to make sure you do it very slowly. For the first time you are doing it, I would only recommend one or two minutes, and then as your body acclimates, you can do it for a longer period of time or you can decrease the temperature," Dr. Slabaugh explained.

For athletes, it is recommended to do it any time after intense workouts. For individuals that are doing it for their mental equity, three to four times per week is recommended.

It is important to be aware of potential risks if you have cardiac or lung issues. Dr. Slabaugh recommends seeking approval from your primary care doctor if you have these issues.

View Mercy sports medicine orthopedic surgeon Dr. Mark Slabaugh's interview regarding the health benefits of ice baths.