Athlete Recovery Dr. Jimenez Sports Spine Specialist: You want to be active; you feel better when you go for a long run, swim laps, or hit the ball. You keep your body in shape so you can get into a pick-up game with your kids or take on a new challenge. However, when you push too hard or have one of those crazy accidents, you can end up with an injury. That wrist sprain, shin splint, or sore back can leave you at home suffering instead of moving on the court, track, playing field, etc…
Athletes have been working with chiropractors for injury recovery and to keep them in top form for years. But one doesn’t have to be an athlete to benefit from chiropractic treatment. A chiropractor will assess your injury and treat it with manual manipulations, massage, exercise rehabilitation, heat/ice therapy, etc. This combination of precision chiropractic adjustments addresses the muscles, joints, and spinal alignment all at once to produce optimal pain relief.
Our team is committed to providing recovery solutions that will address your unique needs, whether you are a professional or enjoy sports as your workout. We design individualized athlete recovery plans customized to your body’s needs to enhance performance and prevent injury. And if you’re looking to improve overall health and wellness, our clinic can help with that to attain optimal wellness!
Sport-Specific Chiropractic Care at El Paso Back Clinic: Building Strength, Restoring Balance, and Preventing Injuries
Moving Beyond One-Size-Fits-All Training
Every athlete faces unique physical demands. A sprinter’s body requires explosive power, while a baseball pitcher depends on shoulder rotation and stability. At El Paso Back Clinic, we emphasize that performance training should reflect those realities. Sport-specific chiropractic care addresses both the physical and neurological patterns behind athletic success, offering customized recovery and prevention strategies instead of generalized routines (Trainerize, n.d.; Seaver College, n.d.).
This approach enhances coordination, balance, and endurance by targeting the specific movements athletes use in their sport. More importantly, it builds resilience—protecting the musculoskeletal system against injuries that can derail progress (Physio-Pedia, n.d.).
Chiropractic Care as a Performance Tool
Chiropractic adjustments are often seen as a way to ease back or neck pain, but in athletics, they play a far greater role. Spinal and joint alignment improves nervous system efficiency, helping muscles fire correctly during sport-specific actions (Nansledan Chiropractic, n.d.).
At El Paso Back Clinic, chiropractic care goes hand-in-hand with soft tissue therapies, mobility exercises, and recovery strategies. Athletes benefit from:
This integrative approach makes chiropractic care a cornerstone for both rehabilitation and peak performance.
From Pain to Play: How Athletes Heal
Injury recovery is never just about repairing one area of the body; it’s about restoring overall function. At El Paso Back Clinic, we use chiropractic integrative care to restore overall function. For example, an athlete recovering from an ACL injury might receive adjustments for pelvic alignment alongside agility drills to re-train proper knee mechanics (Jag PT, n.d.).
Our recovery process follows clear steps:
Pain and Inflammation Control – through chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue work, and supportive therapies.
Strength and Mobility Restoration – using targeted, sport-specific rehabilitation exercises (HQPT, n.d.).
Neuromuscular Re-education – training the nervous system to move efficiently and avoid re-injury (ECU Research Online, n.d.).
Return-to-Sport Readiness – functional assessments ensure athletes are prepared for real-world demands (Marygrove Mustangs, n.d.).
By integrating rehabilitation and chiropractic strategies, athletes heal faster and more safely while regaining confidence on the field.
The El Paso Back Clinic Advantage: Integrative, Collaborative Care
What sets El Paso Back Clinic apart is the collaborative nature of care. Our providers don’t just focus on short-term relief; they build long-term health through a mix of therapies:
Chiropractic Adjustments – for alignment, pain reduction, and improved function
Acupuncture – reducing inflammation and supporting natural recovery
Nutritional Guidance – Promoting Anti-Inflammatory Eating to Accelerate Healing (Avance Care, n.d.)
Performance Training – customized sport-specific drills that build functional strength (Prevent PT, 2023)
Together, these therapies ensure athletes receive complete care that supports both the body and mind.
Prevention: Protecting Athletes Before Injuries Happen
Many injuries develop gradually, often due to poor posture, muscular imbalances, or repetitive stress. Regular chiropractic evaluations allow us to detect and correct these issues before they become painful setbacks (Hyperhealth, n.d.).
For instance, a runner may develop pelvic instability that, if untreated, leads to knee pain. At El Paso Back Clinic, chiropractic adjustments stabilize the pelvis while sport-specific training reinforces single-leg balance and stride efficiency. This proactive approach not only prevents injuries but also enhances performance (Essential Chiropractic, n.d.).
Legal and Medical Support for Injury Cases
Beyond athletics, El Paso Back Clinic also supports patients recovering from motor vehicle accidents, workplace injuries, and personal injury cases. Our providers deliver:
Thorough diagnostics using imaging and functional testing
Comprehensive injury documentation for legal cases
Collaborative care plans that integrate chiropractic treatment, exercise therapy, and functional medicine (Perrone Wellness, n.d.; RxWellness, n.d.)
By combining advanced care with precise documentation, we help patients heal physically while supporting them through legal processes that often follow accidents.
The Lasting Benefits of Sport-Specific Chiropractic Care
Athletes who embrace an integrated model of chiropractic care and tailored training experience benefit that extend well beyond the field. They gain:
Enhanced performance through better biomechanics
Faster and more complete recovery after injuries
Greater resilience against future injuries
A foundation for long-term musculoskeletal health
At El Paso Back Clinic, our mission is simple: to keep athletes, workers, and accident patients moving safely, confidently, and at their highest potential.
Healing from the Inside Out: Chiropractic Nutrition and Sports Recovery at El Paso Back Clinic
A Different Approach to Recovery
Healing isn’t just about rest and rehabilitation—it’s about what fuels the body. At El Paso Back Clinic, Dr. Alexander Jimenez emphasizes an integrative chiropractic nutrition plan that combines spinal health, targeted therapy, and nutrient-dense eating. This method reduces inflammation, promotes faster recovery, and helps prevent long-term consequences of injuries.
Dr. Jimenez’s dual-scope expertise, as both a chiropractor and nurse practitioner, enables him to address injuries not only at the structural level but also at the systemic level. His patients benefit from a unique approach that combines hands-on chiropractic adjustments, advanced imaging, and functional medicine strategies for comprehensive care.
Fuel for Performance: Why Nutrition Matters
Athletes and active individuals often prioritize training plans over nutrition. Yet, nutrient-dense foods are essential for peak performance and resilience. When athletes consume processed foods or skip key nutrients, inflammation rises, recovery slows, and the risk of injury increases【redeeminglifenutrition.com†source】.
An integrative chiropractic diet emphasizes:
Anti-inflammatory foods like fatty fish, leafy greens, and berries.
Complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains and legumes, provide sustained energy.
Healthy fats, such as avocados, olive oil, and walnuts, can support hormone balance.
High-quality proteins from both plant and animal sources are essential for repairing muscle and connective tissue.
This tailored approach ensures athletes recover quickly while maintaining long-term joint and spinal health【bbcgoodfood.com†source】.
Strength from the Ground Up: Chiropractic and Joint Care
At El Paso Back Clinic, spinal alignment and nutrition work in tandem. Chiropractic adjustments restore nerve function and circulation, which enhances nutrient absorption throughout the body. When combined with anti-inflammatory foods, this creates a strong foundation for muscle, joint, and ligament recovery【atlanticchirofl.com†source】.
Dr. Jimenez often explains that ignoring inflammation is like ignoring misalignment—it may not cause problems immediately, but it eventually limits mobility and performance. By aligning the spine and fueling the body correctly, athletes optimize their healing capacity.
Protein Power for Repair
Protein is not just for bodybuilders—it’s the building block of recovery. After sports injuries, car accidents, or workplace strain, muscles, tendons, and ligaments require amino acids to rebuild tissue. Without adequate protein, recovery stalls【revistanutricion.org†source】【childrensmercy.org†source】.
El Paso Back Clinic guides patients in balancing:
Animal proteins: chicken, fish, eggs, and lean beef.
Plant-based proteins: tofu, lentils, and quinoa.
Protein-rich snacks: Greek yogurt, nuts, or smoothies.
When paired with chiropractic therapies like massage, decompression, and rehabilitation exercises, protein accelerates healing while reducing scar tissue and stiffness.
Reimagining Carbs: Energy That Lasts
Carbohydrates often get a bad reputation, but for athletes and recovering patients, they are critical. The key is choosing complex carbohydrates over refined sugars. Whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables supply steady energy that supports both workouts and tissue repair【betterhealth.vic.gov.au†source】.
Dr. Jimenez emphasizes that after motor vehicle accidents or intense training, glycogen restoration is crucial for reducing fatigue and enhancing concentration during rehabilitation. Without this energy, recovery exercises feel harder and progress slows.
Fats That Heal Instead of Harm
Not all fats are created equal. At El Paso Back Clinic, patients learn that healthy fats reduce inflammation, lubricate joints, and regulate hormones. Omega-3s from salmon, sardines, and flaxseeds are especially valuable for musculoskeletal recovery【nuffieldhealth.com†source】.
This mirrors the principles of the Mediterranean diet, which research shows improves both athletic recovery and long-term cardiovascular health【stanford.edu†source】.
Micronutrients: The Hidden Healers
While macronutrients like carbs, proteins, and fats grab attention, micronutrients play a hidden yet crucial role in recovery:
Vitamin D and calcium strengthen bones.
Magnesium supports muscle relaxation and nerve conduction.
Vitamin C and zinc enhance collagen production and tissue repair.
Chiropractic care ensures structural alignment, while micronutrient-rich diets give the body the tools to rebuild【parcofontario.com†source】.
Whole-Body Recovery: Chiropractic + Nutrition
El Paso Back Clinic utilizes advanced imaging tools, including MRIs and X-rays, to accurately detect underlying injuries. But recovery goes beyond the scan. By combining chiropractic adjustments with individualized diets, patients experience:
Reduced pain and inflammation.
Faster ligament and tendon repair.
Improved mobility and strength.
Lower risk of chronic complications.
This integrative strategy benefits not only athletes but also patients recovering from work-related injuries, car accidents, and repetitive stress disorders. 【sportsrd.org†source】【essendonsportsmedicine.com.au†source】
Beyond the Clinic: Legal and Medical Support
In personal injury cases, documentation matters. Dr. Jimenez ensures his patients at El Paso Back Clinic receive comprehensive medical and legal reports. These include diagnostic imaging, detailed progress notes, and chiropractic assessments—critical for court cases and insurance claims.
By bridging medical care and legal advocacy, patients gain peace of mind knowing their recovery is both clinically supported and legally defensible.【dralexjimenez.com†source】.
Integrated Therapies for Lasting Health
The strength of El Paso Back Clinic lies in its multimodal therapy model. Patients often receive:
Acupuncture to balance energy and relieve inflammation.
Targeted exercises to improve mobility and strength.
Nutritional guidance for long-term health.
This combination creates an environment where natural healing thrives, preventing future injuries while optimizing current recovery.【americansportandfitness.com†source】【holisticwholenessinstitute.com†source】.
Patient-Centered Care in El Paso
Dr. Jimenez’s reputation is built on compassion and expertise. Patients at El Paso Back Clinic consistently highlight his ability to connect, explain, and design treatment plans that feel personalized. His integrative care is not a quick fix—it is a sustainable strategy for lifelong health.
Conclusion
At El Paso Back Clinic, healing is not just physical—it’s nutritional, structural, and systemic. With Dr. Alexander Jimenez’s dual expertise in chiropractic care and functional medicine, patients gain access to a unique approach that combines nutrition, advanced imaging, integrative therapies, and legal documentation for complete recovery.
By reducing inflammation, fueling the body, and restoring spinal alignment, chiropractic nutrition doesn’t just treat symptoms—it transforms recovery, performance, and long-term wellness.
Can modified workouts and/or having a personal trainer design an alternate fitness routine while in injury recovery help injured individuals and athletes maintain fitness?
Maintain Fitness During Injury Recovery
Individuals with personal, work, or sports injuries must take time off to rest, recover, and rebuild. However, there are ways to maintain fitness and endurance levels while unable to engage in full workouts and exercise.
Fitness Base
Injured individuals and athletes will lose a certain amount of fitness during recovery. After all, the body is injured and needs to focus most of its attention on healing to get back to normal. Deconditioning is a fact of life when the body stops exercising, but there are ways to stay active to maintain a fitness base. Individuals can modify or scale back exercise. Before exercising after an injury, get a doctor’s approval. Then, follow their recommendations. (Garber C. E. et al., 2011)
Even if one body part or joint is immobilized, cross-training principles can help individuals discover new ways to stay fit while rehabilitating. The key is to have the right attitude and remain active within tolerance levels until the injury is healed. Trying new things may take some creativity and flexibility, but most find training through injury is possible and not difficult. Here are ways to continue working out while recovering.
Lower Back Injury Workout
Talk with a doctor or sports doctor to understand exercise limitations before modifying workouts. Walking, swimming, or recumbent cycling are generally safe for individuals with a lower back injury. These workouts can help maintain cardiovascular fitness. An example of a modified workout may consist of the following:
Warm up before exercising.
Perform the workout on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Perform each exercise for 30 to 60 seconds with 15 seconds of rest between exercises.
Complete the entire circuit three to four times.
Complete 30 to 60 minutes of non-weight-bearing cardiovascular exercises on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
Chest Press
Lat Pulldown
Overhead Press
Leg Extension
Wall Sit
Shoulder and Elbow Injury Workout
Shoulder or other upper body injuries often make it possible to continue traditional cardiovascular exercise because the lower body can be fully exercised. Walking, stair climbing, stationary cycling like an under-desk bike, and the elliptical trainer all work. Circuit training routines will maintain strength and power in the non-injured muscles and joints. The following example routine can be done four to five times weekly.
Warm-up.
Perform each exercise for 30 to 60 seconds, allowing 15 seconds of rest between exercises.
Complete the entire routine three to four times.
Stationary cycling for two minutes at a moderate pace and two at a higher intensity.
Leg Press
Elliptical trainer for two minutes at a moderate pace and two at a higher intensity.
Ab Crunches
Walking Lunges
Low Back Extensions
Treadmill walking for two minutes at a moderate pace and two at a higher intensity or incline.
Wall sits
Ankle and Foot Injury Workout
If the doctor approves, individuals can use a rowing machine or a stationary bike with one leg or swim a few laps. As a doctor or physical therapist recommends, individuals may also need an ankle brace or other support. A sports doctor or personal trainer can help recommend other non-weight-bearing cardiovascular exercises for 30 to 60 minutes three times weekly. Here is a sample workout to try:
Warm-up.
Perform the workout on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Perform each exercise for 30 to 60 seconds with 15 seconds rest between exercises.
Complete the workout three to four times.
Leg Extensions
Chest Press
Lat Pulldown
Overhead Press
Seated Cable Rows
Incline Push-Up
Bicycle Crunches
Hanging Leg Raise
Leg and Knee Injury Workout
Leg and knee injuries can be limiting, as most endurance exercise requires flexion and knee joint extension. One-legged cycling or using an upper-body ergometer/handcycle are options. Swimming may be possible if the individual uses a pull buoy to keep them from kicking or using their legs. Here are two circuit workout examples:
Circuit 1
Warm-up.
Perform this on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Perform each exercise for 30 to 60 seconds with 15 seconds of rest between exercises.
Complete the workout three to four times.
Pull-Up or Assisted Pull-Up
Chest Press
Lat Pulldown
Overhead Press
Circuit 2
Warm-up.
Perform the workout on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
Perform each exercise for 30 to 60 seconds with 15 seconds of rest between exercises.
Complete the workout three to four times.
Seated Russian Twist
Ab Crunch
V-Sit ab exercise
Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic
Individuals may need significant rest time to heal properly, so consult a doctor on the balance of rest and training. Doing the exercises prescribed by the physical therapist during rehabilitation is important. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic works with primary healthcare providers and specialists to develop an optimal health and wellness solution. We focus on what works for you to relieve pain, restore function, and prevent injury. Regarding musculoskeletal pain, specialists like chiropractors, acupuncturists, and massage therapists can help mitigate the pain through spinal adjustments that help the body realign itself. They can also work with other medical professionals to integrate a treatment plan to resolve musculoskeletal issues.
Treating Ankle Sprains
References
Garber, C. E., Blissmer, B., Deschenes, M. R., Franklin, B. A., Lamonte, M. J., Lee, I. M., Nieman, D. C., Swain, D. P., & American College of Sports Medicine (2011). American College of Sports Medicine position stand. Quantity and quality of exercise for developing and maintaining cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal, and neuromotor fitness in apparently healthy adults: guidance for prescribing exercise. Medicine and science in sports and exercise, 43(7), 1334–1359. https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0b013e318213fefb
The Q or quadriceps angle is a measurement of pelvic width that is believed to contribute to the risk of sports injuries in women athletes. Can non-surgical therapies and exercises help rehabilitate injuries?
Quadriceps Q – Angle Injuries
The Q angle is the angle where the femur/upper leg bone meets the tibia/lower leg bone. It is measured by two intersecting lines:
One from the center of the patella/kneecap to the anterior superior iliac spine of the pelvis.
The other is from the patella to the tibial tubercle.
On average the angle is three degrees higher in women than men.
Women have biomechanical differences that include a wider pelvis, making it easier to give birth. However, this difference can contribute to knee injuries when playing sports, as an increased Q angle generates more stress on the knee joint, as well as leading to increased foot pronation.
Injuries
Various factors can increase the risk of injury, but a wider Q angle has been linked to the following conditions.
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
An increased Q angle can cause the quadriceps to pull on the kneecap, shifting it out of place and causing dysfunctional patellar tracking.
With time, this can cause knee pain (under and around the kneecap), and muscle imbalance.
Foot orthotics and arch supports could be recommended.
Some researchers have found a link, while others have not found the same association. (Wolf Petersen, et al., 2014)
Chondromalacia of the Knee
This is the wearing down of the cartilage on the underside of the kneecap.
An increased Q angle can be a factor that increases stress and causes the knee to lose its stability.
However, this remains controversial, as some studies have found no association between the Q angle and knee injuries.
Chiropractic Treatment
Strengthening Exercises
ACL injury prevention programs designed for women have resulted in reduced injuries. (Trent Nessler, et al., 2017)
The vastus medialis obliquus or VMO is a teardrop-shaped muscle that helps move the knee joint and stabilize the kneecap.
Strengthening the muscle can increase the stability of the knee joint.
Strengthening may require a specific focus on muscle contraction timing.
Closed-chain exercises like wall squats are recommended.
Glute strengthening will improve stability.
Stretching Exercises
Stretching tight muscles will help relax the injured area, increase circulation, and restore range of motion and function.
Muscles commonly found to be tight include the quadriceps, hamstrings, iliotibial band, and gastrocnemius.
Foot Orthotics
Custom-made, flexible orthotics decrease the Q angle and reduce pronation, relieving the added stress on the knee.
A custom orthotic ensures that the foot and leg dynamics are accounted for and corrected.
Motion-control shoes can also help correct overpronation.
Knee Rehabilitation
References
Khasawneh, R. R., Allouh, M. Z., & Abu-El-Rub, E. (2019). Measurement of the quadriceps (Q) angle with respect to various body parameters in young Arab population. PloS one, 14(6), e0218387. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0218387
Petersen, W., Ellermann, A., Gösele-Koppenburg, A., Best, R., Rembitzki, I. V., Brüggemann, G. P., & Liebau, C. (2014). Patellofemoral pain syndrome. Knee surgery, sports traumatology, arthroscopy: Official journal of the ESSKA, 22(10), 2264–2274. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-013-2759-6
Vaienti, E., Scita, G., Ceccarelli, F., & Pogliacomi, F. (2017). Understanding the human knee and its relationship to total knee replacement. Acta bio-medica : Atenei Parmensis, 88(2S), 6–16. https://doi.org/10.23750/abm.v88i2-S.6507
Mitani Y. (2017). Gender-related differences in lower limb alignment, range of joint motion, and the incidence of sports injuries in Japanese university athletes. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 29(1), 12–15. https://doi.org/10.1589/jpts.29.12
Nessler, T., Denney, L., & Sampley, J. (2017). ACL Injury Prevention: What Does Research Tell Us? Current reviews in musculoskeletal medicine, 10(3), 281–288. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-017-9416-5
Golfing wrist injuries are common with treatment requiring 1-3 months of rest and immobilization and if tears are present surgery. Can chiropractic treatment help avoid surgery, expedite recovery, and rehabilitation?
Golfing Wrist Injuries
Golfing Wrist Injuries: According to a study, there are over 30,000 golf-related injuries treated in American emergency rooms every year. (Walsh, B. A. et al, 2017) Nearly a third are related to a strain, sprain, or stress fracture.
This causes pain and inflammation and is usually accompanied by a grinding sensation when moving the thumb and wrist.
Chiropractic Treatment
Given the nature of these injuries, medical attention should be sought out for image scans to look at any damage and properly immobilize the wrist. Once a fracture has been ruled out or healed, golfing wrist injuries can benefit from chiropractic and physical therapy. (Hulbert, J. R. et al, 2005) A typical treatment may involve a multifaceted approach involving various therapies including:
Active release therapy, myofascial release, athletic taping, corrective exercise, and stretching.
A chiropractor will examine the wrist and its functioning to determine the nature of the injury.
A chiropractor may recommend using a splint to immobilize the wrist, particularly in cases of overuse.
They will relieve pain and swelling first, then focus on strengthening the joint.
They may recommend a regimen of icing the hand.
Adjustments and manipulations will relieve pressure on the nerves to reduce swelling and restore mobility.
Peripheral Neuropathy Successful Recovery
References
Walsh, B. A., Chounthirath, T., Friedenberg, L., & Smith, G. A. (2017). Golf-related injuries treated in United States emergency departments. The American journal of emergency medicine, 35(11), 1666–1671. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2017.05.035
Moon, H. W., & Kim, J. S. (2023). Golf-related sports injuries of the musculoskeletal system. Journal of exercise rehabilitation, 19(2), 134–138. https://doi.org/10.12965/jer.2346128.064
Ray, G., Sandean, D. P., & Tall, M. A. (2023). Tenosynovitis. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing.
Zouzias, I. C., Hendra, J., Stodelle, J., & Limpisvasti, O. (2018). Golf Injuries: Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, and Treatment. The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 26(4), 116–123. https://doi.org/10.5435/JAAOS-D-15-00433
Tan, H. K., Chew, N., Chew, K. T., & Peh, W. C. (2014). Clinics in diagnostic imaging (156). Golf-induced hamate hook fracture. Singapore medical journal, 55(10), 517–521. https://doi.org/10.11622/smedj.2014133
Hulbert, J. R., Printon, R., Osterbauer, P., Davis, P. T., & Lamaack, R. (2005). Chiropractic treatment of hand and wrist pain in older people: systematic protocol development. Part 1: informant interviews. Journal of chiropractic medicine, 4(3), 144–151. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0899-3467(07)60123-2
Athletes regularly take an ice-water bath after training or playing. It is known as cold water immersion/cryotherapy. It is used to relieve and reduce muscle soreness and pain after intense training or competition. From runners to professional tennis and football players, taking an ice bath is a common recovery practice. Many athletes utilize ice baths to help with faster recovery, prevent injury, and cool down the body. Here we provide some research on cold-water immersion therapy.
Ice Water Bath
Cold Immersion After Exercise or Physical Activity
Exercise causes microtrauma/tiny tears in the muscle fibers. The microscopic damage stimulates muscle cell activity to repair the damage and strengthen the muscles/hypertrophy. However, hypertrophy is linked with delayed onset muscle soreness and pain/DOMS, between 24 and 72 hours after physical activity. An ice water bath works by:
Constricting the blood vessels.
Flushes out waste products (lactic acid), out of the muscle tissues.
Reduces inflammation, swelling, and tissue breakdown.
Then, applying heat or warming up the water increases and speeds up blood circulation, improving the healing process.
There is no current ideal time and temperature for cold immersion, but most athletes and trainers who use the therapy recommend a water temperature between 54 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit and immersion of five to 10 minutes, and depending on the soreness, sometimes up to 20 minutes.
Pros and Cons
The effects of ice baths and cold water immersion on exercise recovery and muscle soreness.
Relieves Inflammation but Can Slow Down Muscle Growth
A study determined that cold water immersion can disrupt training adaptations.
Research suggests that icing muscles right after maximum exercise decreases inflammation, but can slow down muscle fiber growth, and delay muscle regeneration.
Athletes trying to increase muscle size and strength may need to adjust the therapy sessions.
Reduce Muscle Soreness
A review concluded there was some evidence that ice water immersion reduced delayed onset muscle soreness when compared to resting and rehabilitation or no medical treatment.
The most effects were seen in running athletes.
There was no substantial evidence to conclude whether it improved fatigue or recovery.
The studies did not have a standard for adverse effects or follow-up with the participants regularly.
There was no difference in muscle soreness between cold water immersion, active recovery, compression, or stretching.
Pain Relief
Cold water immersion after a physical activity offers temporary pain relief but can help with a faster recovery.
A study of jiu-jitsu athletes found that following a workout with cold water immersion could lead to decreased muscle aches and help reduce lactate levels.
Alternating cold water and warm water baths (contrast water therapy), may help athletes feel better and offer temporary pain relief.
Active Recovery Alternative
More research is needed before a firm conclusion can be reached on ice-water bath therapy. However, active recovery is a recommended alternative for athletes looking to recover faster.
A study suggested that ice baths were equally effective, but not more effective, as active recovery for reducing inflammation.
Cold water immersion is no greater than active recovery upon local and systemic inflammatory cellular stress.
Research determined that active recovery is still the most widely used, and currently the best way to recover after intense exercise or physical activity.
Low-impact workouts and stretches are still considered the most beneficial cool-down methods.
Cold Water Therapy
Ice Bath
Individuals can use their tub at home to perform cold water therapy.
Individuals may want to purchase a large bag of ice, but the cold water from the faucet will work.
Fill the tub with cold water, and if desired, pour in some ice.
Let the water and ice sit to get the cold temperature.
Measure the temperature if necessary before getting in.
Submerge the lower half of the body and adjust the temperature based on feel by adding more water, ice, or warm water if freezing.
It’s like icing with an ice pack, but the whole body swelling reduces and relaxes the muscles.
Don’t overdo it – one review found the best routine was 11 to 15 minutes of immersion at a temperature between 52 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cold Shower
A few minutes in a cold shower is another way to perform the therapy.
Individuals can get in a cold shower or start with warm water and slowly transition to cold.
This is the easiest and most time-efficient method of cold water therapy.
Safety
Consult with your doctor or a health care practitioner before practicing cold water therapy.
Exposure to cold water can affect blood pressure, circulation, and heart rate.
Cold water immersion can cause cardiac stress and can result in a heart attack.
Be mindful that exposure to cold temperatures can result in hypothermia.
Get out of the cold water if you experience numbness, tingling, discomfort, and/or pain.
Optimizing Wellness
References
Allan, R, and C Mawhinney. “Is the ice bath finally melting? Cold water immersion is no greater than active recovery upon local and systemic inflammatory cellular stress in humans.” The Journal of Physiology vol. 595,6 (2017): 1857-1858. doi:10.1113/JP273796
Altarriba-Bartes, Albert, et al. “The use of recovery strategies by Spanish first division soccer teams: a cross-sectional survey.” The Physician and sports medicine vol. 49,3 (2021): 297-307. doi:10.1080/00913847.2020.1819150
Bieuzen, François, et al. “Contrast water therapy and exercise-induced muscle damage: a systematic review and meta-analysis.” PloS one vol. 8,4 e62356. 23 Apr. 2013, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0062356
Fonseca, Líllian Beatriz et al. “Use of Cold-Water Immersion to Reduce Muscle Damage and Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness and Preserve Muscle Power in Jiu-Jitsu Athletes.” Journal of athletic training vol. 51,7 (2016): 540-9. doi:10.4085/1062-6050-51.9.01
Forcina, Laura, et al. “Mechanisms Regulating Muscle Regeneration: Insights into the Interrelated and Time-Dependent Phases of Tissue Healing.” Cells vol. 9,5 1297. 22 May. 2020, doi:10.3390/cells9051297
Shadgan, Babak, et al. “Contrast Baths, Intramuscular Hemodynamics, and Oxygenation as Monitored by Near-Infrared Spectroscopy.” Journal of athletic training vol. 53,8 (2018): 782-787. doi:10.4085/1062-6050-127-17
Sutkowy, Paweł, et al. “Postexercise impact of ice-cold water bath on the oxidant-antioxidant balance in healthy men.” BioMed research international vol. 2015 (2015): 706141. doi:10.1155/2015/706141
Sports activities will result in aches, pains, and injuries that need to be examined by a doctor or specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment. Finding the right sports injury specialist can be one of the most difficult parts of dealing with an injury. The following may help when deciding if a sports chiropractic specialist can help.
Sports Injury Specialist
Sports medicine is the study and practice of medical principles related to the science of sports:
Injury prevention
Injury diagnosis and treatment
Nutrition
Psychology
Sports medicine focuses on the medical and therapeutic aspects of sports physical activity. These individuals can be physicians, surgeons, chiropractors, physical therapists, or providers who regularly work with athletes. Athletes often prefer providers with athletic treatment experience.
Doctor To See First for a Sports Injury
Individuals that belong to an HMO or PPO may find that their primary care physician is the first doctor to see for injury.
A family doctor may not be a sports medicine specialist but may have the expertise to deal with the injury.
Minor musculoskeletal injuries like acute sprains and strains respond well to immediate standard treatments like rest, ice, compression, and elevation.
Individuals with complicated overuse or training injuries, chronic conditions such as tendonitis, or who require surgery will be referred to a specialist.
Family Doctor Treatment
Nearly all family practice physicians can diagnose and treat various sports-related injuries.
Other non-traditional methods to treat conditions and illnesses.
Some may have specific experience in treating sports-related injuries.
Finding the Right Specialist
It is important to find a doctor who can design a treatment plan to heal and rehabilitate the injury properly and get the athlete back to their sport quickly and safely. Medicine is science and art, and injury treatment should be personalized to specific goals of healing and performance. When selecting a healthcare provider to treat injuries or provide advice, personal recommendations from trusted sources are recommended to screen providers. As well as asking other athletes, local teams, gyms, athletic clubs, and healthcare organizations can direct individuals in the right direction. If you can’t find a confident recommendation, look for a certified sports medicine physician online or call the clinic. When calling the office, questions to think about include:
What is your treatment specialty?
What experience do you have treating athletes?
What special training do you have in sports injury care?
What degrees and certifications do you have?
How I Tore My ACL
References
Bowyer, B L et al. “Sports medicine. 2. Upper extremity injuries.” Archives of physical medicine and Rehabilitation vol. 74,5-S (1993): S433-7.
Chang, Thomas J. “Sports Medicine.” Clinics in podiatric medicine and surgery vol. 40,1 (2023): xiii-xiv. doi:10.1016/j.cpm.2022.10.001
Ellen, M I, and J Smith. “Musculoskeletal rehabilitation and sports medicine. 2. Shoulder and upper extremity injuries.” Archives of physical medicine and Rehabilitation vol. 80,5 Suppl 1 (1999): S50-8. doi:10.1016/s0003-9993(99)90103-x
Haskell, William L et al. “Physical activity and public health: updated recommendation for adults from the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association.” Medicine and science in sports and exercise vol. 39,8 (2007): 1423-34. doi:10.1249/mss.0b013e3180616b27
Sherman, A L, and J L Young. “Musculoskeletal rehabilitation and sports medicine. 1. Head and spine injuries.” Archives of physical medicine and Rehabilitation vol. 80,5 Suppl 1 (1999): S40-9. doi:10.1016/s0003-9993(99)90102-8
Zwolski, Christin, et al. “Resistance Training in Youth: Laying the Foundation for Injury Prevention and Physical Literacy.” Sports Health vol. 9,5 (2017): 436-443. doi:10.1177/1941738117704153
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