We run the iCool MIPOD recovery systems. These guys are product pioneers in the recovery space and have their systems in nearly all sporting stadiums, and professional sporting clubs Australia wide and Globally! They are backed up by large amounts of research in sports medicine and university based research programs.
Contrast Water Therapy (CWT) is a hydrotherapy technique used for recovery in many sports and elite sports across the world. With more and more scientific studies performed on the ideal temperatures and their effect on the body we are seeing it applied more and more not only to athletes but also to the general population looking to improve the wellness, mental acuity, immune function, resilience and mood. Along with these proven benefits we are able to see it minimise fatigue and accelerate post exercise recovery.
The use of alternating the hot water immersion and cold water immersion induces vasoconstriction (compression of the venous & vasular systems) and vasodilation of the same systems allowing the body to expand and contract these systems to push blood and oxygen throughout the body. This is able to assist in the clearance of lactate accumulation in the muscles, reduce whole body inflammation and improve recovery rate allowing increases in training loads and exposure to more training loads more frequently.
Cold water therapy has been utilised in the treatment of depression and mood related psychological disorders. Improve learning and retention, improve longevity and prevent muscle atrophy and breakdown.
Cold water exposure triggers the release of norepinephrine into the brain. This chemical increases vigilance, focus, attention and mood. It is also crucial in regulating pain both acute and chronic, protein metabolism and metabolic metabolism and inflammation.
Its stimulation has shown as rise in norepinephrine post immersion particularly dopamine release increases by 200-300% post exposure.
Cold water immersion is also responsible to stimulation of the cold thermogenesis effect. This stimulates our body to increase heat production. The health benefits related to this are due to the activation of brown adipose tissue (BAT). This is a form of fat that burns regular fat (white adipose tissue) (WAT) for the generation of heat through a process called fat oxidation. The more BAT you can stimulate the better your body becomes in utilising its fat stores for energy production. This can assist in fat loss!
In our cells we have what are mitochondria, these guys are the cells power houses and produce cellular energy through ATP production responsible for cellular responses and energy utilisation. The more mitochondria in our tissue – the better our aerobic capacity becomes. Cold exposure increases our number of mitochondria through a process called mitochondrial biogenesis.
Due to the vasoconstriction effect elicited by the blood vessels, to help flush the body of waste products and decrease swelling and tissue degeneration. When you move from the cold pool into the hot pool there is an increase in the bloodflow and the blood vessels dilate which acts as a super pump for nutrients to assist in healing.
Research shows that the cold water immersion exposure is far more beneficial than a concentrated area of icing – why? Because the release of norepinephrine which can lead to increases in dopamine, and chemicals which induce strong antiinflammatory effects reducing the inflammatory response to injury.
The mental challenge you face before getting in the bath is the first hurdle in the mental battle to exposing your body to stressors that it would not be exposed to normally. But – the feeling is definitely worth it!
Please ensure you have no open wounds, any diagnosis pertaining to poor body circulation or have and feelings of cold or flu symptoms.
You will be required to shower prior to the use of our hot /cold pools on site.
Our cold pool is maintained around 8 degrees Celcius. Our hot pool is maintained at 38 degrees.
Please wear swim clothes – we have towels for hire at reception for your session if you forget yours!
We can run team recovery sessions, individual or small group sessions! Enquire with our recovery team and they can arrange time slots based on what recovery experience you are looking for!!
Click here to see our team recovery options.
