I get sore after exercise. Could cold plunges and ice baths help?

Although cold therapy has become popular in recent years, the concept isn’t new. It’s the “I” in the RICE formula, which stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation. RICE is a common strategy for treating injured or sore areas of the body.

Cold-water immersion may reduce the degree of whole-body exercise induced muscle damage that can occur after physically challenging activities. Less damage leads to less inflammation, which reduces soreness and helps restore physical performance in the short term.

Ice also restricts blood flow, slows nerve signaling and reduces swelling, all of which may reduce delayed-onset stiffness and pain.