Eli5 why do doctors say not to apply ice directly to the skin and to wrap in a towel but doctors also recommend athletes regularly take ice baths?

Question

Eli5 why do doctors say not to apply ice directly to the skin and to wrap in a towel but doctors also recommend athletes regularly take ice baths?

In: 5

Answer 1

Ice direct to the skin can stick and cause burns similar to frost bite, kind of like trying to lick a frozen pole. Muscles in athletes can increase in temperature which can be detrimental to recovery so ice in water for an athlete for short periods lowers their temperature and shortens recovery time.