Really? The Claim: An Ice Bath Can Soothe Sore Muscles

For most people, the only time jumping into ice might sound like a great idea is after a grueling workout. Athletes have used so-called cold therapy for years, saying it reduces inflammation, speeds recovery and prevents muscle soreness.  According to research, ice baths can be helpful — at least in comparison to doing nothing. In a new report in The Cochrane Library, researchers at the University of Ulster in Ireland pooled data from 17 studies involving 366 people, many of whom sat in ice baths for several minutes after cycling, running or lifting weights. Compared with passive rest after exercise, a short bout of cold therapy reduced soreness by 20 percent, the researchers found.

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