Whilst treating a previous injury I've used a small ice bath for my foot, which is easy enough as I can use a washing up bowl. However now I'm treating a potenital injury that covers / moves around on a daily basis round my calves / shin. As well as using foam rollers / frozen peas on affected area I tried out a cold bath this morning after my run to immerse the whole lower leg (as well as my upper legs). I then had a shower straight away as I'm a bit pushed for time and getting out of the bath to warm up and then have a shower is impractical.
I assume that tap water at this time of year will be cold enough to be beneficial?
Should I go straight in to the ice bath as soon as possible after finishing exercise? Today I stretched, had breakfast and coffee before getting in to the bath.
Will having a shower immediately afterwards undo all the good work or actually help to stimulate the blood flow?
Any thoughts / knowledge feedback much appreciated, thanks,
Will B