Contrast Therapy

Contrast therapy is when you use cold AND heat to (hopefully) bring about the beneficial effects of both.

Typically, this would be done using large baths of ice water and warm water — you would then alternate back and forth to (hopefully) induce a systemic reduction of fatigue and increased recovery.

When done in proper dosing and with intelligent protocols, contrast therapy can be a phenomenal way of dissipating local fatigue — although it is unclear how to balance this pro with the obvious con of an increased stress response due to the shock of changing temperatures.

Because most people do not have access to this type of cold/warm bath set-up, the method can be replicated on a more-targeted level with hot and cold packs.