Why do ice baths help athlete recovery?
Show answer & explanation
Answer: Cold reduces inflammation
Freezes sore muscles solid — Wrong. Ice baths don't freeze muscles! The cold is just enough to constrict blood vessels without damaging tissue.
Cold reduces inflammation ✓ — Correct! Cold causes blood vessels to constrict, reducing inflammation and swelling. When you warm up, fresh blood flows back in, flushing out waste products. It's like rebooting tired muscles!
Kills muscle bacteria — Wrong. Muscles don't have harmful bacteria to kill. The cold works by affecting blood flow and inflammation, not fighting infection.