Ice Bath & Cold Therapy
What is Cold Therapy?
Cold water therapy (CWT) is the practice of intentionally exposing the body to water with a temperature
of below 15 degrees celsius to achieve therapeutic benefits for both the body and the mind.
It has been used for thousands of years, one of the first mentions of using cold water for wellbeing was in the Edwin Smith Surgical Papyrus, which is dated 3500BC. Ancient Greek Father of Medicine, Hippocrates, as well as Plato touted the physiological benefits of cold water therapy.
There’s no single way to do CWT and it can mean different things to different people - cold showers, ice baths and open water swimming are all forms of CWT - but one of the most recognisable methods is cold water immersion (CWI) where the whole body is submerged in water below 15 degrees celsius for a period of a few minutes.
What are the Benefits?
There are many reported benefits of using cold water therapy. Some include:
Aiding in muscle recovery and cellular energy
Reducing stress and increasing resilience
Reducing inflammation and swelling
Supporting the immune system
Improving mental health
Fat loss
Overall increased energy levels
What to expect using the Ice Bath at Fortify
Appointment times run for 15 minutes - please arrive 10 minutes early for your first plunge to ensure we have time to talk you through our ice bath protocols and so that you can read and sign our terms & conditions of use.
On booking you will receive a confirmation email outlining important points to note. Don’t hesitate to get in contact wth us if you have any questions that are not answered in the email or on this page. We are here to help.
Important points to note prior to Ice Bathing
1. The Ice bath must not be used with oils or creams, tanning lotions, hair dye on the body or hair; (b) If you have any communicable disease; (c) Under the influence of drugs or alcohol; (d) If are are epileptic unless in the opinion of your physician your epilepsy is under medical control so that you are in sufficient control of your seizures not to endanger yourself in the ice bath; (e) If you are pregnant; (g) If you suffer from diabetes, unless, in the opinion of your physician, your diabetes is under medical control so that you are in sufficient safety to use the ice bath; (h) If you suffer or have suffered from chronic heart disease, unless, in the opinion of your physician, your chronic heart disease is under medical control so that you are in sufficient safety to use the ice bath. (i) If you suffer or possess any sort of existing ear, nose, eye condition that may be irritated by properties within the ice bath (J) if you are suffering from any skin condition or have any cuts, abrasions, or open wounds.
2. You should consult with your own physician prior to using the ice bath if currently taking any medication or under a physician's care for any reason.
3. Clients are required to shower using soap prior to entering the ice bath. (Rinse soap off body thoroughly).
4. Swimwear must be worn while using the ice bath.
5. Clients with long hair must tie hair up / back. No freshly dyed hair - a minimum of 48 hours post hair dye is required before using the ice bath.
6. Avoid caffeine and heavy foods 1.5 hours prior to floating.
How to book
OUR ICE BATH IS HIBERNATING FOR WINTER AND BOOKINGS WILL BE ACCEPTED AGAIN IN SPRING!
ALL MEMBERS RECEIVE ONE FREE ICE BATH SESSION. THIS IS AUTOMATICALLY CREDITED TO YOUR ACCOUNT.
The easiest and best way to book an ice bath appointment or to manage your existing booking is via the free mindbody app. A link will be provided once bookings reopen in Spring.