Ice baths relieve next-day muscle soreness by dampening the body's acute inflammatory response. But researchers point out that this same inflammation is what signals muscles to adapt and grow stronger over the long term. Using cold plunges too frequently trades away permanent gains just to avoid temporary discomfort.
It is a useful reminder that healing and strengthening are often biologically opposed processes. If a hard workout is meant to build capacity rather than just finish a task, letting the inflammation run its course appears to be the more productive choice.
more: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/10/261013015805.htm
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