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Icing sore muscles won’t solve the problem

By WTOP Staff

WASHINGTON — Ice packs may help soothe the pain of sore muscles, but new studies show the palliative effects of ice aren’t long-term solutions.

A new review of studies shows that iced muscles don’t heal faster, but the cold does help numb the pain.

Beyond numbing, the positive effects of icing are limited — and can be counterproductive.

Icing can reduce strength and power, and lessen fine motor coordination in muscles for up to 15 minutes after the cold is removed.

If working out is causing muscle pain, the best solution is to readjust your fitness regimen rather than rely on cold therapy.

WTOP’s Bob Kur contributed to this report. Follow WTOP on Twitter.

(Copyright 2012 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)

Emergency guide: What you should do to prepare for emergencies

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