Recovery is a critical component of high-level performance for the Pace University Women’s Lacrosse team. Because these athletes engage in intense conditioning, running, and weight training almost every day, maintaining muscle health is essential for long-term success. Recently, two freshman players utilized the university training facility to address significant soreness in their quadriceps and lower legs.+3
The Recovery Process
Before beginning their treatment, the athletes described their legs as feeling both heavy and tight. They chose a traditional cold plunge over contrast therapy, which is an alternative method involving three-minute intervals between hot and cold water. Their specific recovery protocol included the following steps:+1
- The training tub was filled with a mixture of ice and water.
- Athletes remained immersed from the waist down for five to seven minutes.
- Participants focused on slow and controlled deep breathing to manage the intense cold exposure.+1
Results and Long-Term Benefits
The immediate feedback from the players was overwhelmingly positive as they reported instant relief. The cold temperature effectively numbed their muscles and reduced the sensation of tightness. By the following day, both athletes noted that their legs felt stronger and significantly improved.+2
The benefits of the treatment were further evidenced two days later when both players expressed a desire to repeat the process. This experience highlights how dedicating a short window of time to muscle recovery can have a meaningful impact on an athlete’s overall performance.+2
