Does Cold Water Therapy Help Swimming Wizards to Recover Faster? Michael Phelps Can Vouch for This

Swimming has been one of the most gripping sports for years. The world has witnessed several swimming sensations like Michael Phelps, Mark Spitz, Ian Thorpe, Katie Ledecky, who have been great ambassadors of the sport. These swimmers have dedicated themselves completely and endured significant physical challenges to attain their prominent status in the world of swimming. The athletes have to go through rigorous training so as to remain one step ahead of their opponents in the pool. But they also need ample rest, especially for muscle relaxation. To achieve this, the swimmers have to go through a whole long process.

There are several ways and remedies that athletes adapt to get their muscles relaxed, but a new cold water therapy has hit the market, and it promises to be one of the most effective ways for swimmers to recover faster. It is also one of the methods that the Baltimore Bullet and the GOAT of swimming, Michael Phelps, has promoted. More so, he has also collaborated with a business venture named “Master Spas” to popularize the therapy. But here is the big take: is the cold water therapy really that helpful, or is it just a gimmick?

Swimming athletes’ most talked-about therapy: risks, benefits, and everything else

As reported by Psychology Today, cold water swimming, or cold water therapy, is becoming extremely popular these days as it holds some great benefits, both psychological and physiological. For the individuals who follow the therapy, they believe that it can enhance circulation, promote deeper sleep, boost energy levels, and decrease bodily inflammation. Cold water swimming is a part of this process in which the water is kept below 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit), but some individuals push the limits by engaging in ice-water swimming, which involves temperatures below 5°C (41°F). Reports have also suggested that it supports the immune system because it enhances leukocytes and monocytes and also protects the body against respiratory tract infections.

Furthermore, there are also reports that the therapy assists the endocrine system and improves insulin sensitivity. But there are also some concerns over the therapy as it can lead to hypothermia, cardiac arrhythmia, and unconsciousness. Any individual seeking the therapy should consider consulting their doctor first. Along with that, adequate training in cold water swimming is also important. It can be perilous for both swimming athletes and normal individuals to stay exposed to low temperatures for a long duration. In extreme conditions, the prolonged practice of the therapy has also led to the deaths of individuals because of its impact on their cardiovascular health.

Michael Phelps approves of the therapy

SpaRetailer reported in July that the swimming prodigy has collaborated with Master Spas to launch his “Michael Phelps Chilly GOAT Cold Tubs.” Phelps has been an avid supporter of cold water therapy, and he believes that the therapy enhances athletic performance and facilitates recovery. As per the information on the company’s website, the 38-year-old Olympian has regularly sought ice baths and cold showers to overcome muscle soreness and mitigate inflammation. He also continues to practice the therapy even after years of retirement.

Read More: Michael Phelps’ Insane 10,000 Calorie Diet That Fueled Him to Secure 23 Olympic Gold Medals Revealed- Here’s Everything You Need to Know

He even promoted the venture on his social media and explained the importance of the therapy. Phelps also added that he believes in the benefits of cold water therapy from the time when he used to compete professionally, and it gave a boost to the swimmer’s health and fitness. The 28-time Olympic medalist has even tried numerous forms of therapy. In a bid to benefit others, he has been a pioneer in this endeavor, setting an example for many years, and he persists in doing so with his latest venture.

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