What are the steps used in contrast therapy?Updated 2 months ago
Step 1: Cold Therapy
- Cold therapy works by constricting blood vessels, which reduces swelling and inflammation in overworked or injured muscles. It also numbs pain, providing immediate relief for sore joints and muscles. As your body adjusts to the cold, it triggers a flood of endorphins, leaving you feeling refreshed and mentally sharp.
- Research has shown that to enhance recovery you should aim to accumulate 11 min per week in the Ice Bath. You can either do this all at once (i.e. 11 min straight) or if you’re not used to Cold Water Immersion, you can break it up into shorter durations (e.g. 2 x 5 min with 2 min out of bath inbetween).
Step 2: Heat Therapy
- Heat has the opposite effect. It dilates blood vessels, increasing circulation to deliver oxygen and nutrients to muscles that need repair. This enhanced blood flow flushes out toxins and lactic acid buildup, reducing stiffness and speeding up recovery. The soothing warmth also loosens tight muscles, making it easier to move and stretch.
- We recommend using our Sauna Pod Models for up to 30 minutes at a moderate heat OR 15-20 minutes at higher more intense heats.
After this, is when the magic happens!
- Alternating between cold and heat creates a powerful contrast effect. The rapid shift from constricted blood flow (cold) to enhanced circulation (heat) acts like a pump for your vascular system, reducing recovery time and improving muscle performance. It’s like giving your body a full reset, helping you recover from workouts, injuries, or daily stress more effectively.